Student Social Security information stolen

In mid-April, a computer that contained more than 17,000 students social security numbers and test scores was stolen from James Branch Cabell Library by a student. Though VCU says they knew about the theft in April, they waited until June to notify students.

“Due to police procedure, VCU didn’t notify students immediately as the details of the case hadn’t been figured out yet,” said Pam Lepley, director of VCU Communications and Public Relations.

According to Lepley, VCU Police were unsure whether the computer was stolen for personal use or to swipe the Social Security numbers. They tracked down the student, but found that the computer had been thrown away after the student was unable to use it for his/her own personal use.

Because the computer was thrown away and no personal data was initially compromised, VCU finally notified students and offered a year of free identity theft protection for the affected students. The computer contained information dating from October 2005 to January 2007.

“It was a completely precautionary action on the part of VCU not to release the data,” Lepley said.

The computer had been located in the library and was used by the VCU Help Desk staff to scan tests and report grades to instructors.

“The computer was in a locked cage in a locked room,” said Steve Werby, information security officer for VCU.

The computers was previously scanning tests now require a VCU I.D. card to access and VCU has added video surveillance to protect the computers.

“This summer, we will also be scanning computers to find and remove Social Security numbers from our network so they can’t be as easily accessed,” Werby said.

Students had mixed opinions on whether they would sign up for the identity theft protection.

“I wouldn’t pick it up,” said Antonio Harris, a junior psychology and exercise science major. “I would go pick up my own identity theft protection before I would go through the school.”

Though disappointed that a student could easily take such sensitive data, Bryan Mejorada, a criminal justice major, said that he would take advantage of the free offer.

“It makes the situation worse, since anyone could pick it up,” Harris said. “VCU needs to have more precaution.”