Rowan University Prof. Posts 370 Students’ Personal Info Online
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on February 5, 2008
GLASSBORO, New Jersey. A Rowan University professor has posted several files containing personal information for 370 Rowan University students, including 172 Social Security Numbers, 95 Dates of Birth, and 310 addresses. The files also include GPAs, phone numbers, Majors, e-mail addresses, grades, phone numbers, and physical fitness information (such as Bench Press abilities, for example).
The files have been online for several months to several years, as early as November 17, 2004. By placing this information online, Rowan University has put these students at severe risk of identity theft, fraud, and other forms of risk.
Individuals affected by this exposure should immediately visit www.ssnbreach.org and search for their names, to confirm what types of personal information were exposed.
About SSNBreach.org
Sponsored by the Washington, DC non-profit Liberty Coalition, SSNBreach.org provides hundreds of thousands of free personalized Identity Exposure Reports™ as a public service.
SSNBreach.org documents the types of information exposed, but does NOT contain sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers, Birth Dates, Addresses, etc. Consequently, there is no way to search for your SSN or any other type of sensitive data on SSNBreach.org. Once we document the types of exposed information and the situation surrounding the exposure, we include the information in personalized Identity Exposure Reports. This information allows victims to further investigate, take action, or correct harm.
Iowa State University Prof. Posts 26 Students’ SSNs Online
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on February 4, 2008
AMES, Iowa. In early December, 2007 Iowa State University posted the names, social security numbers, scores, and grades of 26 former students on its website. The students all appear to have taken the course “ME 325” in the Spring of 2001 from Gloria Starns. The information, along with e-mail addresses has been posted on iastate.edu for six years, since January 10, 2002. Much of the information in the files may be protected by FERPA, and all of it is sensitive. By placing students’ names and social security numbers online, Iowa State University has put these 26 students at severe risk of identity theft and other kinds of fraud.
Paragraph 3.1.2. of the Iowa State University Code of Computer Ethics indicates that Iowa State University does not have a regular policy of searching text and non-text based files on public servers to determine whether they may contain sensitive information. Especially in this instance, where a faculty member accidentally posted sensitive information six years ago and had likely forgotten about the information, the University is in the best position to catch breaches when they occur, before search engines index the files.
Individuals affected by this breach should immediately visit www.ssnbreach.org and search for their names, to confirm what types of personal information were exposed.
About SSNBreach.org
Sponsored by the Washington, DC non-profit Liberty Coalition, SSNBreach.org provides hundreds of thousands of free personalized Identity Exposure Reports™ as a public service.
SSNBreach.org documents the types of information exposed, but does NOT contain sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers, Birth Dates, Addresses, etc. Consequently, there is no way to search for your SSN or any other type of sensitive data on SSNBreach.org. Once we document the types of exposed information, and the situation surrounding the breach, we include the information in personalized Identity Exposure Reports. This information allows victims to further investigate, take action, or correct harm.
University of Iowa Engineering Dpt. Exposes 215 Student SSNs Online
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on February 4, 2008
IOWA CITY, Iowa. The College of Engineering Student Development Center has posted personal information of 321 University of Iowa students on its website, including 215 social security numbers. The social security numbers were contained in an Excel file which also included names, GPAs, e-mail addresses, student ID numbers, and other academic information. Most of the affected students appear to be seniors who applied for graduation in Spring 2006. By placing this information online, the University of Iowa has put these students at extreme risk of identity theft or other forms of fraud.
The file was created on February 27, 2006, and placed online on or before March 15, 2006. According to the web server, it was on University of Iowa’s servers for almost two years without internal detection. It was one file among course listings and curriculum information for the College of Engineering.
Individuals affected by this breach should immediately visit www.ssnbreach.org and search for their names, to confirm what types of personal information were exposed.
About SSNBreach.org
Sponsored by the Washington, DC non-profit Liberty Coalition, SSNBreach.org provides hundreds of thousands of free personalized Identity Exposure Reports™ as a public service.
SSNBreach.org documents the types of information exposed, but does NOT contain sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers, Birth Dates, Addresses, etc. Consequently, there is no way to search for your SSN or any other type of sensitive data on SSNBreach.org. Once we document the types of exposed information, and the situation surrounding the breach, we include the information in personalized Identity Exposure Reports. This information allows victims to further investigate, take action, or correct harm.
Oregon State Posts 19 SSNs Online
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on January 31, 2008
CORVALLIS, Oregon. In December, 2007 the Liberty Coalition discovered sensitive personal information of 33 students and faculty on a University of Oregon Web server, including 19 social security numbers. The individuals affected appear to be participants in the 2006 NASA Robotics Academy in Maryland, under the direction of Melissa Jenson-Morgan. The personal information, which includes names, SSNs, phone numbers, GPA, Academic Majors, and other information, was placed in an Excel file on oregonstate.edu and indexed by major search engines.
Individuals on this list are at increased risk of identity theft.
Individuals affected by this breach should immediately vist www.ssnbreach.org and search for their names, to confirm what types of personal information were exposed.
About SSNBreach.org
Sponsored by the Washington, DC non-profit Liberty Coalition, SSNBreach.org provides hundreds of thousands of free personalized Identity Exposure Reports™ as a public service.
SSNBreach.org documents the types of information exposed, but does NOT contain sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers, Birth Dates, Addresses, etc. Consequently, there is no way to search for your SSN or any other type of sensitive data on SSNBreach.org. Once we document the types of exposed information, and the situation surrounding the breach, we include the information in personalized Identity Exposure Reports. This information allows victims to further investigate, take action, or correct harm.
U. Mass, Dartmouth Prof. Puts 32 Student’s Personal Info Online
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on January 30, 2008
DARTMOUTH, Massachusetts. In December, 2007 the Liberty Coalition discovered the names, grades, GPA, and partial social security numbers for 32 former students of Phuong Tu, probably from the Fall, 2004 CIS 100 class. Ironically, the sensitive information was contained posted on the Computer and Information Science Department’s main web server. In the file, students’ complete social security numbers appeared to be listed, with only the first number replaced by a zero.
By placing this information online, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has put these students at increased risk of identity theft.
Individuals affected by this breach should immediately vist www.ssnbreach.org and search for their names, to confirm what types of personal information were exposed.
About SSNBreach.org
Sponsored by the Washington, DC non-profit Liberty Coalition, SSNBreach.org provides hundreds of thousands of free personalized Identity Exposure Reports™ as a public service.
SSNBreach.org documents the types of information exposed, but does NOT contain sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers, Birth Dates, Addresses, etc. Consequently, there is no way to search for your SSN or any other type of sensitive data on SSNBreach.org. Once we document the types of exposed information, and the situation surrounding the breach, we include the information in personalized Identity Exposure Reports. This information allows victims to further investigate, take action, or correct harm.
University of Wisconsin Prof. Posts 196 Names and Grades Online
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on January 28, 2008
MADISON, Wisconsin. In late November, 2007 that Liberty Coalition discovered the names, scores, and Grades of 196 students of Professor Yu Hen Hu’s ECE 734 classes between 1994 and 2006. The information was posted in Excel files on a University of Wisconsin – Madison server. According to the server, the files had been online for several years. Students affected by this breach are NOT at special risk of identity theft.
This breach fits within a common national pattern where university faculty or staff use university servers to store backed-up files, and later forgetting them or assuming that they are not available to the public. Unfortunately in this instance, some of Professor Hu’s backed-up files contained sensitive information which was made available online and was picked up by search engines.
You can confirm whether you were affected by this breach by searching for your name at www.ssnbreach.org.
About SSNBreach.org
SSNBreach.org is a free online directory of victims of personal information breach, that tells you whether your personal information has been exposed.
SSNBreach.org does NOT contain sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers (SSN), Birth Dates, Addresses, and the like. Consequently, there is no way to search for your SSN or any other type of sensitive data on SSNBreach.org. Instead of storing sensitive information, we document what information was exposed, and the situation surrounding the breach. This information allows victims to further investigate, take action, or correct any harm from the exposure.
Grissom Air Reserve Base Supervisor Exposes 11 Personnel Online
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on January 25, 2008
GRISSOM ARB, Indiana. A Grissom Air Reserve Base weather station supervisor recently posted sensitive personnel information on his personal website, www.0cool.net. The Excel file contained contact information for 11 individuals, including seven social security numbers, dates of birth, drivers license numbers, and other information. The Liberty Coalition contacted one employee who explained that he had found the information by Googling himself days earlier. He talked to the supervisor, who explained that the file was a failed attempt at creating a random number generator. For some reason the Supervisor used fellow employees’ sensitive data for testing purposes. As a result, his fellow workers are now at extreme risk of identity theft. The Liberty Coalition was unable to reach the Supervisor directly.
The file had been deleted when the Liberty Coalition discovered it, but the information remained in Google’s cache for several weeks.
Individuals affected by this breach should immediately visit www.ssnbreach.org and search for their names, to confirm what types of personal information were exposed.
About SSNBreach.org
Sponsored by the Washington, DC non-profit Liberty Coalition, SSNBreach.org provides hundreds of thousands of free personalized Identity Exposure Reports™ as a public service.
SSNBreach.org documents the types of information exposed, but does NOT contain sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers, Birth Dates, Addresses, etc. Consequently, there is no way to search for your SSN or any other type of sensitive data on SSNBreach.org. Once we document the types of exposed information, and the situation surrounding the breach, we include the information in personalized Identity Exposure Reports. This information allows victims to further investigate, take action, or correct harm.
From Moldy Misery to Meticulous Maintenance: My Journey to a Healthy Home
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on January 24, 2008
There’s a reason why they say “home is where the heart is.” But for a while, my heart ached every time I stepped through the front door. Years ago, I discovered a hidden enemy lurking in my seemingly cozy haven – mold. It wasn’t a dramatic discovery, no black splatter across the ceiling. It was a subtle musty odor, persistent headaches, and a nagging cough that just wouldn’t quit.
A visit to the doctor confirmed my suspicions – my health woes were linked to mold exposure in my home. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. This place of comfort had become a source of sickness. That’s when the transformation began. Out went the denial, replaced by a fierce determination to create a healthy home environment.
The battle against mold was intense. I contacted a qualified contractor, a mold remediation specialist who arrived looking like a character from a biohazard movie (seriously, the protective gear was impressive). The process was thorough and meticulous – air sampling, containment zones, and the heartbreaking removal of cherished furniture that had become breeding grounds for the spores.
As the remediation unfolded, I delved deeper into the world of healthy homes. I devoured articles, watched countless videos, and became obsessed with creating a safe and healthy living space. This newfound passion fueled the birth of this very blog – a platform to share my learnings and empower others to prioritize home maintenance.
Now, I’m not advocating for a life of paranoia and disinfectant wipes (although, let’s be honest, they come in handy sometimes!). It’s more about proactive care. Regular inspections for leaks and potential mold growth, prompt repairs of any water damage, and investing in quality air filtration systems – these are the cornerstones of my home improvement philosophy.
And let’s talk contractors. Gone are the days of settling for the cheapest guy on the block. Now, I meticulously research, seeking out skilled professionals like www.ApdrRestoration.com who prioritize quality and long-term solutions. Sure, it might cost a bit more upfront, but the peace of mind and the health benefits are priceless.
Looking back, the mold ordeal was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to re-evaluate my living environment and prioritize its healthfulness. This blog is an extension of that journey, a space to share the knowledge I’ve gained and inspire others to create their own healthy havens. Because a clean home isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a foundation for a healthy, happy life. So, join me on this journey – let’s transform our houses from potential health hazards to nurturing sanctuaries!
Texas Education Agency Exposes SSNs of Three People Online
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on January 24, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas. Earlier this month, the Texas Education Agency has posted the names, social security numbers, and birth dates of three individuals who applied to take the GED. The report is dated March 23, 1998, and was online between at least October 1999 and December 2008, or almost 10 years.
The three individuals on this list are at extreme risk of identity theft.
You can confirm whether you were affected by this breach by searching for your name at www.ssnbreach.org.
About SSNBreach.org
SSNBreach.org is a free online directory of victims of personal information breach, that tells you whether your personal information has been exposed.
SSNBreach.org does NOT contain sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers (SSN), Birth Dates, Addresses, and the like. Consequently, there is no way to search for your SSN or any other type of sensitive data on SSNBreach.org. Instead of storing sensitive information, we document what information was exposed, and the situation surrounding the breach. This information allows victims to further investigate, take action, or correct any harm from the exposure.
13 Names and SSNs Escape from USA Funds, End Up on Geocities.com
Posted by Titus in Data Breaches on January 23, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana. In late November, 2007, the Liberty Coalition discovered a the names, partial Social Security Numbers, and detailed student loan information in a report titled “United Student Aid Funds: …For the Week Ended 05/08/2004.” The report includes information about 13 students or former students who had taken out student loans. Though identified as a United Student Aid (USA) Funds report, the file was posted on geocities.com, by a user named “pvvanitha.” The report, named “report_format.doc” was report number “DACBRT05,” created on December 10, 2004 by “UFD612R1.”
The Liberty Coalition notified several Vice Presidents of USA Funds, and the FBI of the breach. The FBI forwarded the complaint to the Office of the Indiana State Attorney General Consumer Protection Division, which contacted the Liberty Coalition for additional information. No additional action by the Attorney General is known at this time. The Liberty Coalition also contacted Geocities/Yahoo, and got their usual brain-dead responses thanking us for contacting them.
Bob Murray, Vice President of Corporate Communications explained,
“…we have worked with our vendors to have the link to the file removed from Geocities.com. We are in the process of requesting removal of references to this file from Internet archives and search engine caches. We also are attempting to contact the individuals named in the file. In addition, we are conducting an investigation into how this internal file was made public, in violation of our corporate privacy policies.
“We assure you that USA Funds and its vendors take significant steps to protect the personal, non-public information of our customers. You should also be aware that during the past year, USA Funds and its vendors have begun moving away from the use of Social Security numbers to entirely separate customer identification numbers as identifiers for our customer accounts.”
USA Funds is also setting up a phone number which affected customers can call for more information.
According to a Wikipedia article on USA funds, the organization has supported nearly $115.5 billion in higher education financial aid in the last 44 years, serving more than 13.6 students or parents.
You can confirm whether you were affected by this breach by searching for your name at www.ssnbreach.org.
About SSNBreach.org
SSNBreach.org is a free online directory of victims of personal information breach, that tells you whether your personal information has been exposed.
SSNBreach.org does NOT contain sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers (SSN), Birth Dates, Addresses, and the like. Consequently, there is no way to search for your SSN or any other type of sensitive data on SSNBreach.org. Instead of storing sensitive information, we document what information was exposed, and the situation surrounding the breach. This information allows victims to further investigate, take action, or correct any harm from the exposure.