Hackers Breach UC Berkeley Database, Steal Social Security Numbers
Quick Facts
- Date: 5/08/2009
- Institution: University of California, Berkeley
- Type of Incident: Penetration
- Number Affected: 160,000+
- Source: DataBreaches.net
- Abstract Source: UC Berkeley News Update
Abstract
The University of California, Berkeley began notifying individuals today after staff discovered a unknown individual(s) attacked a restricted database on a computer in the university's health services center. The computer contained the names, Social Security numbers, health insurance information, immunization records, and patient physician information on more the 160,000 UC Berkeley student and alumni as well as former Mills College students. UC Berkeley discovered the breach in April and immediately took action. The affected database was taken offline and UC Berkeley contacted the both campus police and the FBI. According to Shelton Waggener, UC Berkeley's associate vice chancellor for information technology and its chief information officer, the university takes its data steward responsibilities serious and regrets the incident. UC Berkeley has created a web site - datatheft.berkeley.edu - and a hotline - 888-729-3301 - to help answer additional questions about this incident.
