MICHIGAN STOLEN COMPUTER CONTAINED DATA ON FERRIS STATE STUDENTSWZZM13 - Stolen laptop contained data on Ferris State students

Stolen laptop contained data on Ferris State students

Stanton Tang

Created: 10/31/2007 1:22:23 PM

Updated: 10/31/2007 3:14:26 PM

Big Rapids - Ferris State University is warning current and potential students after the theft of a laptop that contained student data.

According to a notice on the Ferris State website, someone broke into the locked car of one its admissions recruiters in Chicago and stole a laptop computer.

The computer contains personal information about applicants for 2007-2008 students, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, email addresses, academic information and student identification numbers. The thief would have to get through two layers of password protection to access the data.

Up to 18,000 current and potential students could be affected. University administrators tell WZZM 13 News they are more concerned about students receiving unsolicited emails or mailers, rather than identitytheft.

According to the website notice, "The information does not include social security numbers, driver's license numbers, credit card information, banking information, or financial data of any kind."

Ferris State University has set up a toll free number (1-800-433-7747)for students who thinks they may be a victim of identity theft