Hacker Compromises Goshen College Computer

Goshen College is the latest victim of hackers' assault on its computer security. It therefore joins other renowned colleges and universities in having their networks compromised. Hackers managed to reach Goshen College's database that contained personal information of about 7,000 students. However, there appears to be no theft of any student's information.

Right through May 5 to May 7 someone had unauthorized access to the main computer system of Goshen College. The College's President James E. Brenneman said that the institution considered the attack a serious issue and they regretted what had happened. INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS reported this on May 14, 2007. Brenneman also said that the college was putting all efforts to evaluate the likely damage and offering all assistance required to the affected individuals.

As soon as the college discovered the breach it reported to the police. The college said that the attacked computer stored personal information of existing and prospective students as well as some of their parents. But it seems that the hacker(s) failed to view any information.

The threat of computer attacks is growing all over the country, Brenneman said. Following in the same line as other colleges and universities, Goshen College was also continuously updating its security protocols and firewall systems. In the current incident, the college immediately aborted the attack, notified anyone who might be a likely victim and applied safety measures to ensure the incident didn't occur again in future.

Brenneman further said that the college employees were informing the crucial credit reporting agencies about the possible compromise. They were also guiding those in jeopardy on how to review their credit reports for any suspicious activity.

The college informed everyone whom the security breach affected and the institution was adopting additional security measures. During the unauthorized access some outside person hacked a computer that the person used to compromise more computers, said Michael Sherer, director of IT Services. INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS reported this on May 14, 2007.

Sherer said an assessment of the incident indicates that the hacker wanted to control the college's computers to spam out mails, not steal confidential data. However, investigation was on.

Related article: Hacker & Virus in MySpace

» SPAMfighter News - 5/21/2007