Quick Facts

• Date: 4/13/2011
• Institution: Albright College
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: 10,000
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: WFMZ
• Update1 Source: Reading Eagle Press

Abstract
Albright College recently announced the possible breach of personal information following the theft of computers containing personal information. The computers, stolen from the college's Financial Aid Office in February, contained names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and account information on as many as 10,000 current students, prospective students, former students, faculty and staff. According to Albright Vice President for Enrollment Management Gregory E. Eichhorn, the theft may also affect parents, spouses or joint account holders as well. In response to the theft, Albright Public Safety has increased evening and weekend patrols and the college's Information Technology Services are working with departments to reduce the amount of confidential information retained on desktops. The college is working with the Reading Police Department, the County District Attorney's Office and the FBI. Crime Alert Berks County has setup a hotline - 877-373-9913 - for individuals that have more information regarding the theft and is offering up to a $5000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Update1
One of the two computers stolen from Albright College has been recovered by State Police. The suspect in the theft appears to have stolen the computers to fund a drug habit and was not after the information on the device. The recovered laptop appears to contain most of the sensitive and personal information exposed by the theft. According to Sgt. Raymond Guth, there does not appear to be any evidence that the information on the recovered drive had been compromised by the theft.

Quick Facts

• Date: 3/10/2011
• Institution: University of Windsor
• Type of Incident: Unauthorized Disclosure
• Number Affected: 650
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: CBC News

Abstract
The University of Windsor recently sent out notification letters after a mailing mixup exposed personal information. The university's Finance Department sent out 650 T4 tax slips, containing names, Social Insurance Numbers, and financial information, that were addressed to the wrong recipients. After discovering the mistake, the university sent out email messages and letters as well as placed phone calls to the recipients of these 650 tax slips and have received around half of them back. Executive Director of Communications Holly Ward said the university plans to increase communication efforts to get the rest of the 650 tax slips back.

Quick Facts

• Date: 3/4/2011
• Institution: Flinders University
• Type of Incident: Employee Fraud
• Number Affected: N/A
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Abstract
A Filnders University cashier recently admitted to stealing over $27 million from the university. Christopher Wayne Fuss plead guilty to the charge he abused his position to falsify banking and financial records to steal $27,354,903 between 2008 and 2010. Fuss used two passwords to move the stolen money to different bank accounts including a personal account, the accounts of a few associates and even to a share trading account. Fuss used the money to purchase a $50,000 stake in a basketball team, donate $48,000 to a charity for the homeless and purchase a $1.7 million home. Fortunately Flinders University was able to recover more then $20 million and the expected shortfall of less then $1 million will not have any impact on the university being able to deliver programs.

Quick Facts

• Date: 2/22/2011
• Institution: Chapman University, Brandman University
• Type of Incident: Unauthorized Disclosure
• Number affected: 13,000
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: LA Times

Abstract
Chapman University has begun notifying students after a document containing personal information was discovered online. The document, discovered by a Chapman student, contained the names, Social Security numbers, student ID numbers and financial aid information on 11,000 current and former Chapman University and Brandman University students as well as information on 2,000 applicants. The student immediately reported the file to Chapman officials. The file apparently was accidentally moved to the insecure folder. The investigation also found that the student who reported the file was the only individual to access the information according to Chapman spokesperson Mary Platt. As a precaution, Chapman is offering credit monitoring services to those affected by this incident.

Quick Facts

• Date: 2/11/2011
• Institution: Solano Community College
• Type of Incident: Penetration
• Number Affected: Unknown
• Source: DataBreaches.net
• Abstract Source: Solano Tempest

  Abstract
  Solano Community College recently alerted students after discovering attempts to alter the college's financial aid website. According to Solano Community College Chief of Police Steven J Dawson, it does not appear that any students were affected by this fraud. While the investigation is still on-going, Dawson did state they are now aware of a "fairly large" student financial aid loan fraud scheme. There is at least one person of interest in the investigation but Dawson declined to identify this individual.