BC computer security breach update

(3/18/2005) - Boston College has informed its alumni donors that a security breach was detected last week on a computer located on campus that was managed by a third-party vendor. As a result of the detection, the computer was immediately taken off-line and the breach secured.

Fortunately, an extensive computer forensics investigation concluded that the computer was not targeted to access personal information, but to allow the hacker to launch attacks on other computers on the Internet. The University reports that it has no evidence that personal information was accessed in any way. However, given the seriousness of the issue, Boston College decided to send out a precautionary advisory to those alumni whose names were on the database. The advisory includes FTC Guidelines to help guard against identity theft.

The University has also established an alumni phone line to answer questions regarding the breach. BC staff members will be available at 1-866-683-6369 Monday‚Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST through March 25, and during normal business hours thereafter. Information is also available at http://www.bc.edu/alertwww.bc.edu/alert.