Texas A&M Asks Students, Factulty, Staff To Change Passwords After Recent Breach
Quick Facts
- Date: 3/1/2007
- Institution: Texas A&M University
- Type of Incident: Penetration
- Number Affected: 96,000
- Source: ESI
- Abstract Source: The Battalion
Abstract
Texas A&M University is requiring all students, faculty, and staff to change their password in the NetID system as a precaution after a recent beach was discovered. An unknown individual(s) gained unauthorized access to encrypted password files for the NetID system. If this intruder is able to decrypt these files, they could gain access to other systems that use the NetID username and password such as Neo, MyRecord and WebCT. Texas A&M staff became aware of unusual activity on the network thanks to automated mechanisms continually scanning the campus network and computers. When staff investigated further, they discovered that an unknown individual(s) gained access to the encrypted password files through on unknown weakness in the system. While it is not known if this intruder copied any of the password files, Texas A&M will require all NetID passwords be changed to head off any future problems. The university is also investigating if there is any risk to identity information as a result of this breach even though it does not appear to be an issue.
