Internet Search Returns Westminster Student Information
Quick Facts
- Date: 7/15/2007
- Institution: Westminster College
- Type of Incident: Unauthorized Disclosure
- Number Affected: 100
- Source: ESI
- Abstract Source: Desert News
Abstract
Barb, a Westminster College alumnae, received an unpleasant surprise while searching the Internet for her name. Among the results were two files hosted on the Westminster student web server containing the names and Social Security numbers of 100 current and former Westminster students. According to Laura Murphy, Westminster executive director of communications, the files were removed immediately after Barb notified the college and an investigation is on-going. According to Murphy, the files were placed on the web server through an innocent accident and these files were not easily accessible to non-students. However, Westminster is taking this incident seriously and has launched an investigation to help determine what steps need to be in place to prevent such accidents in the future. Westminster has contacted all 100 students and has agreed to pay for one year of credit monitoring for those affected by this incident.