Stolen Laptop Contained Social Security Numbers on 3,020 Physics and Astronomy Students
By Adam Dodge - Posted on August 1st, 2006
Quick Facts
- Date: 08/01/2006
- Institution: California Polytechnic State University
- Type of Incident: Theft
- Number Affected: 3,020
- Source: Attrition.org
- Abstract Source: San Luis Obispo Tribune
Abstract
A laptop stolen from the home of Cal Poly professor John Mottman contained the Social Security numbers on any student that took Mottman's astronomy or physics lectures between 1994 and 2004. During this period, Cal Poly used Social Security numbers on class lists as unique identifiers. This practice ended in 2004. In fact, Cal Poly is attempting to change its practice of using Social Security numbers altogether. Cal Poly is recommending that any affected student contact one of the three major credit bureaus and request a fraud alert be placed on their credit report.
Tagged: California Polytechnic
• California State University
• 2006
• Attrition.org
• Personally Identifying Information
• Social Security Numbers
• Theft
