Hackers Steal Personal Data on 59,000 People
Victims’ Names and Social
Security Numbers Stolen From California State University
CHICO,Calif.(March 05)-Hackers gained personal
information of 59,000 people affiliated with a California university – the
latest in a string of high-profile cases of identity theft.
California State University, Chico spokesman Joe Wills said
nearly all the current, former and prospective students, faculty and staff who
were affected have been notified of the theft, which happened about three weeks
ago. Hackers gained access to the victims’ names and Social Security
numbers.
”We still have no indication that the information was used
for anything other than somebody wanting to have illegal access to this
server,” Wills said. ”Typically, on a college campus that can be to download
files, music and games. There’s still no indication they were looking to take
personal information.”
The university discovered the attacks during routine
monitoring of its networks. The investigation revealed that hackers installed
software to store files on the system and tried to break into other
computers.
Identity theft is considered the nation’s fastest-growing
crime and last year more than 9.9 million Americans were victims.
Earlier this year, 145,000 people were exposed by a breach
at ChoicePoint Inc., which collects consumer data. At DSW Shoe Warehouse,
officials acknowledged stolen credit information at 103 of its 175 stores.
The information service, Lexis-Nexis, has also admitted
hackers gained access to personal information of 32,000 of its customers.
Other university systems have been targeted as well.
Last April, hackers broke into the computer system of the
University of California, San Diego, compromising confidential information on
about 380,000 students, teachers, employees, alumni and applicants.