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University update on possible student data breach
October 29, 2007
A University employee recently reported losing a portable USB or flash drive containing an electronic file with names and social security numbers for nearly 16,000 current and former students.
The lost electronic file included information for incoming freshmen students who enrolled in the fall semester from the years 2001 to 2007. The file did not include information for freshmen who enrolled in the spring, transfer students or graduate students.
There is no indication that the information has been accessed or is in the possession of someone else.
As a precaution, the decision has been made by University administrators to alert these current and former students about the situation and allow them to take precautionary steps to protect their credit information.
On Oct. 26, a letter was sent to each of the individuals whose name was included in the file. In addition, the University is providing these students with access to an identity theft protection service at no cost for one year. The letter includes instructions about how to enroll in the service.
A University phone line, (775) 784-1600, has been established to field questions about this matter.
"Protection of personal data is of the utmost concern to the University, and the University greatly regrets the inconvenience this presents to those involved," University President Milton Glick said. "I would encourage any of our current or former students, if they have any questions about this at all, to call our phone line for more information."
If current or former students believe their personal information is being inappropriately or illegally used, they should immediately report this activity to University Police Services, (775) 784-4013.
