UH Computer Hack Likely Affected 53,000 Members

A recent data hack at the University of Hawaii-Manoa (US) campus might have leaked out private details of numerous individuals, officials at the UH reported. The Honolulu Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the incident.

The breach, which occurred on May 30, 2010, was reportedly discovered on June 15, 2010 when the computer was audited.

Gregg Takayama, the University Spokesman, said that the hack resulted in a virus insertion into a PC server at UH Manoa that stored parking office data. Consequently, it facilitated the hacker to gain admission into data for approximately 53,000 people, as reported by Khon2 on July 6, 2010.

Takayama added that the investigation into the hacking incident revealed that a Chinese website was involved, but that didn't essentially imply that the attacker operated from China.

According to the University, the people affected were mainly staff members and faculty of the 1998 batch; anybody who had business with the parking personnel during January 1, 1998-June 30, 2010 and buyers of parking permits such as employees of the UH Foundation, University of Hawaii's Research Corporation, and the East-West Center; and anybody visiting the campus with a vehicle and requesting a citation for parking, as reported by Staradvertiser on July 6, 2010.

The UH observes that no clue is visible of the hacker downloading or exploiting the data. However, it is informing everyone to maintain caution.

The University is adopting measures for strengthening computer security. Thus, it is purging all SSNs from the computers currently deployed. Meanwhile, the University officials are advising inmates to carefully examine their credit statements.

In addition, they are suggesting that anyone has queries regarding the breach can e-mail at www.hawaii.edu/idalert/ or dial the University's hotline number.

Finally, the new computer hack is found after several data breaches, which reportedly hit the American universities about the same time. During June 2010, the University of Maine, US, reported its two computer servers were hacked that put 4,585 student data in danger. In the same month, San Bernardino situated California State University also revealed of a similar security infringement.

Related article: U.S. Businesses Lose $712 Per Worker Due to Spam

» SPAMfighter News - 17-07-2010

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