05/27/2012

The University of Nebraska has been working through the weekend to analyze the full extent of the security breach into the Nebraska Student Information System database. The team’s analysis has identified records containing personal data of NU employees and parents of students who applied for financial aid, in addition to students, alumni and applicants. The records include personal information, including Social Security numbers. It is not yet known how many of these records are in addition to the ones already reported.

Joshua Mauk, NU information security officer, stressed that the university has no clear evidence at this time that anyone’s personal information was downloaded and there have been no reports of identity theft related to this incident. He said that university technical staff members will continue to work around the clock to determine which individuals may be affected, and what personal information was accessible. Upon continued analysis, the university will determine how best to notify those individuals personally.

“It is our responsibility to continue to notify those potentially impacted by this breach as quickly as possible,” Mauk said.

New information about the breach and ongoing investigation will be posted on http://nebraska.edu/security as it becomes available. In the meantime, the university recommends that individuals who are current students, applying students, parents, employees or alumni since 1985 visit the Federal Trade Commission website for guidance on how to protect their information. Individuals also should monitor their financial information closely and report any suspicious activity to their financial institutions.