Computer users beware

An engineering student last month Googled her name to discover her personal information-and the personal information of 2,100 current and former engineering students-was available online.

The information included the names, social security numbers and e-mail addresses of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the School of Engineering from fall 1998 through 2005. VCU said a human error led to the transfer of the records to a folder that was accessible on the Internet.

Although VCU said there was no sign the information was accessed or used, the incident roused concern about Internet security and identity theft.

Via e-mail, The Commonwealth Times recently asked Andy Solterbeck, vice president and general manager of commercial enterprise business unit at SafeNet, about the issues surrounding the engineering school information exposure. SafeNet is an information security company whose customers include Bank of America, the departments of Defense and Homeland Security and the Internal Revenue Service.

CT: What precautions should students take to protect themselves from identity theft?

Andy Solterbeck: First of all, be diligent with the physical aspect of your laptop. Keep it locked up or stored when you are not using it, and keep it hidden from view when traveling.