Educational Security Incidents (ESI)

Quick Facts

• Date: 10/29/2006
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University
• Type of Incident: Penetration
• Number Affected: 1
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: The Electric New Paper, Singapore

Abstract
First-year master's student, Susaria Srinivas, suffers two security attacks that destroy three years worth of work. These breaches occurred on Srinivas personal laptop while he was connect to the Nanyang Technological University network. NTU quickly responded when Srinivas' reported the breaches but staff members found no problems with university systems. In addition, the university has received no other reports from students, faculty or staff about computer problems. However, NTU personnel did take the initiative to help Srinivas update his out-of-date anti-virus software as well as help him figure out what happened to his computer. It appears that an unknown individual gained access to Srinivas' computer and installed two remote control trojan horse programs on the laptop.

Quick Facts

• Date: 10/28/2006
• Institution: St. Norbert College
• Type of Incident: Penetration
• Number Affected: unknown
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette

Abstract
St. Norbert College announced an attempted attack on one of the college's computer systems occurred earlier this month. The breach was uncovered when a college employee received complaints about computer performance and began investigating the problem. What the director of computer services discovered was an attempted intrusion on one of the systems and a mysterious software package. According to a college spokesperson they intrusion failed and no data was exposed. However, St. Norbert College notified all students, faculty and staff about the attempt and to notify the college if they notice any unusual behavior. The college has notified local law enforcement and is attempting to be as proactive as possible to help protect the college as well as students and employees.

Quick Facts

• Date: 10/20/2006
• Institution: University of Minnesota
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: 200
• Source: < a href="http://www.adamdodge.com">ESI
• Abstract Source: The Pioneer Press

Abstract
Hot on the heals of the university's Institute of Technology laptop theft announcement, University of Minnesota officials announce yet another laptop theft. This laptop was stolen from an art department faculty member in June during this individuals trip to Spain. While the laptop contained student information such as names, student IDs and grades, no Social Security numbers were exposed. University officials say that the university is in the process of training faculty and staff on the importance of information security.

Quick Facts

• Date: 10/20/2006
• Institution: University of Minnesota
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: 13,000
• Source: < a href="http://www.adamdodge.com">ESI
• Abstract Source: The Pioneer Press

Abstract
University of Minnesota officials announced on Thursday the theft of two university laptops in August. The stolen laptops belonged to U of M's Institute of Technology and contained personal information on more the 13,000 U of M students. Social Security numbers were among the personal student data on these two laptops. While the laptops in question did contain encryption software, university officials report difficulty in getting professors and staff member to use this software.

Quick Facts

• Date: 10/12/2006
• Institution: University of Texas, Austin
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: 2,500
• Source: Attrition.org
• Abstract Source: The Houston Chronicle

Abstract
The University of Texas at Austin alerted 2,500 students that their personal information, including Social Security numbers, were contained on two computers stolen from faculty members home on September 29. The affected student are those that took computer science or engineering classes from Ray Springston between fall 2005 and fall 2006. The school is providing students information on how to monitor their credit reports for suspicious activity and has setup a web site to assist affected students. The Fort Worth police are currently investigating this theft, but currently have no leads.