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Location Of Theft in AQUA BLUE
URL Of Linked Article In STEEL BLUE or GREEN
Full Content Of Article In BLACK
Theft Description In Body Of Article in RED

Monday, February 11, 2013

ONTARIO COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.guelphmercury.com/news/local/article/882806--personal-information-jeopardized-in-computer-theft-at-university-of-guelph


Personal information jeopardized in computer theft at University of Guelph

GUELPH—University of Guelph students may have had their personal information compromised after a computer theft late last month at the school.
On Wednesday, the school notified 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students that information—including social insurance numbers, names, addresses and student identification numbers—might be in the hands of thieves.
The break-in occurred Jan. 27 in an office at the University Centre. Taken were 15 computers—both desk and laptops—a handheld device and a portable hard drive.
At this point the school is not aware of any personal information being abused, but they are taking a cautious approach, said Chuck Cunningham, the U of G’s assistant vice-president (communications and public affairs).
Cunningham said one of the devices stolen was used to transfer student information to other computers. Because that device was in constant use, it is not known precisely what information was on it at the time it was stolen.
“We’re taking the most abundantly cautious approach possible and trying to contact everyone who may have had information on the device,” he said. “We’re not taking any chances.”
The office where the break-in occurred and the exact device containing the information is not being disclosed for fear of compromising the investigation, Cunningham said.
Guelph Police and campus police are investigating. Suspects were seen in the University Centre around 7:20 a.m. the Sunday morning of the theft.
“Our investigation has determined that one of the devices may have contained personal information. In some cases, the information may include students’ names, addresses, Social Insurance Numbers, dates of birth or University of Guelph identification numbers,” said the email sent to students Wednesday by chief information officer Rebecca Graham.
“While there is no evidence at this time that this information has been used for fraudulent purposes, we are taking this matter very seriously and are working diligently with the City of Guelph Police and the Campus Community Police in an ongoing investigation,” the email stated.
Cunningham said the university will review certain practices and protocols surrounding the incident to make sure everything possible is done in the future to best protect student and school information.
A report on the incident is being sent to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

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