Michigan State University reports data breach of 400,000 records
A data breach containing 400,000 student records was hacked Nov. 13, according to Michigan State University.
The hacked records include names, social security numbers and MSU identification numbers. The university also said that in some cases date of birth of some current and former students and employees
Of those records, 449 were confirmed to be accessed by the unauthorized party. The affected database was taken offline within 24 hours of the unauthorized access.
The university said it notified all students, alumni, staff and faculty affected.
“At Michigan State University, we are committed to data and privacy protection. Regrettably, we were recently the target of a criminal act in which unauthorized users gained access to our computer and data systems. Information security is a top priority of our university, and we know the frustration this is causing members of our community.
President Lou Anna K. Simon released this statement:
"We have a deep sense of obligation to our MSU family, and we are taking aggressive action to protect any personal information that may have been compromised. Only 449 records were confirmed to be accessed within the larger database to which unauthorized individuals gained access. However, as a precaution, we will provide credit monitoring and ID theft services for any member of our community who may have been impacted by this criminal act. We also will continue to work diligently in our efforts to protect the integrity of our data systems and improve the security of information that is entrusted to us.”