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On June 11, 2008, Columbia University (Columbia) reported that a security breach had occurred, which resulted in the exposure of just over 5,000 names, birthdates, e-mail addresses, gender, roommate assignments and Social Security numbers of current and former students. The file containing the personal information had been posted on the Internet search engine site, Google since February 2007. Columbia confirmed that no financial information was contained in the file posted online and concluded that the breach was due to an inadvertent disclosure. Currently, there is no information on the Columbia University website regarding this issue. However, in a letter sent to affected individuals dated June 10, 2008, Columbia advises that they are offering a free two-year subscription to a credit monitoring service called Identity Guard CreditProtectX3 (sm) at no charge to affected individuals. This service will provide affected individuals with a copy of their credit report; monitor their credit files at all three major credit bureaus; and, notify affected individuals of certain suspicious activities. Affected individuals were sent a follow-up letter dated June 16, 2008, directing them to the website www.identityguard.com to allow them access to this service at no charge. Affected current and former students must enroll by September 12, 2008. Affected individuals wanting more information on the breach should call 1-888-882-7331 or e-mail studentservices-assist@columbia.edu. |