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UF Computer System Hacked

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The Associated Press

Published: February 20, 2009

GAINESVILLE - University of Florida officials say an intruder has gained access to a computer system that contained the personal information of more than 97,000 people.

The files included the names and Social Security numbers of students, faculty and staff who used the "Grove" computer system between 1996 and 2009.

The breach was discovered Jan. 14 during a systems review. The system was immediately shut down, and an investigation began. The investigation confirmed unauthorized access to the system, but it could not determine whether files containing private information were accessed.

There is no evidence the intruder obtained any confidential information, but people who think their information may have been on this system should take precautions to protect their identities, UF officials said.

Letters explaining what happened and how to guard against identity theft are being sent to those whose mailing addresses have been identified. Most are in Florida.

The university has no contact information for more than 5,000 people. Anyone who thinks he or she may be one of the 5,000 people who were not notified by mail should go to UF's Privacy Web site at http://privacy.ufl.edu. Concerned individuals may also call UF's Privacy Office Hotline toll-free at 1-877-657-9133.

The computer system has been retired.

Reporter Lindsay Peterson contributed to this report.

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