Tech faces security breach

On Feb. 21, 3000 letters and notices were sent to several former and current Tech employees. The notices warned that a massive security breach had taken place, and that sensitive data including social security information could have been compromised.

Much of the information that is known about the incident was within a press release issued by Tech's Public Affairs Office. Currently, the investigation is ongoing and as a result much of what is known about the case is not being talked about. However, there are a few specifics that are known in addition to the information present in the press briefing.

The breach was first noticed by OIT on Feb. 13, but this was before the true scope of the security violation was known. Matt Nagel, media relations specialist for ICPA, said, "Basically the reason that the information was released when it was, instead of late Feb. 13, is because it was an ongoing investigation and Tech had to determine the scope of the information in the computer account that had been breached."

On Feb. 21 in addition to sending out those notices Tech also contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Nagel stated that a breach of Tech's computer system occurred from off campus. The thieves managed to gain access to names, address, social security numbers, and 400 state purchasing card numbers.

The 3000 people affected by the breach are predominantly from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He does however state that some students may also have been affected. "Students could be involved if they were employees of the department," Nagel said.

The 3000 people affected have been told to take the proper precautions with their credit reporting agencies to make sure that it is known that their personal information may have been compromised and could be used in a fraudulent fashion.

Currently, the FBI is in charge of the investigation and details are not forthcoming as the investigation is ongoing. Despite the change in jurisdiction over the case, Tech is doing all that it can to aid the federal investigation into the matter. James Fetig, associate vice president of Institute Communications and Public Affairs, stated in the press release, "Tech regrets that this potential loss of data occurred and will work with the affected individuals to mitigate their exposure."

He then went on to say "Our investigation is continuing, and we apologize for any inconvenience this incident may cause."

ICPA was reluctant to give any more information because the matter is an ongoing investigation with the FBI.