Technology Transfer Dept. Data Theft5.1.06 - On Friday, April 21, the FBI advised the Technology Transfer Department that the server containing its office files had been compromised. Data on the server included e-mail addresses as well as patent and intellectual property files. The FBI is investigating the incident. Read more in Outlook...
What information was stolen?
A limited number of Social Security numbers were in a file on this server associated with parking permits.
Will the University notify me if my personal information and Social Security number were included on the compromised server?
Yes. If your Social Security was stored in a file on the affected server, we will send a letter to the addresses we have on file for you.
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What should I do if my personal information was on the compromised server?
Be on the lookout for signs that your personal information is being misused, including signs of identity theft. Identity theft is the unauthorized use of personal identification information to commit fraud or other crimes.
For more information, view the Personal Info Tips page.
What should I do if my Social Security number was on the compromised server?
First, review the Personal Info Tips page to learn about signs that your personal information is being misused. Second, request your free credit report from the Annual Credit Report Request Service. Third, place an initial fraud alert on your credit reports at the three national consumer reporting companies. Fourth, when you receive your free credit report, review it carefully to make sure all the information is correct.
For more information and step-by-step instructions, view the SSN Security Steps page.
Am I a victim of identity theft?
Not necessarily. Although the compromises of Ohio University’s servers constitute criminal acts against Ohio University, such compromises are considered “data theft”. “Identify theft,” in contrast, is the unauthorized use of personal identification information to commit fraud or other crimes.
If you detect signs that your personal information or Social Security number is being misused, take immediate action!
For more information and instructions, view the Identity Theft Assistance page.
How likely is it that I will be a victim of identity theft?
According to the 2006 Identity Fraud Survey Report, in 2005, 8.9 million American adults (4.0% of the US adult population) became victims of identity fraud, an 11.9% decrease from the 10.1 million American adults who were victims in 2003.
For more information read “New Research Shows Identity Fraud Growth Is Contained and Consumers Have More Control Than They Think” from the Council of Better Business Bureaus and Javelin Strategy & Research.
Will requesting my credit report lower my credit score?
No. The only credit report inquires that can lower your credit score
are applications for new credit. For more information about credit
scores, read "Your Credit Score: How It All Adds Up" from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
Should I subscribe to a credit monitoring service?
This is your decision. Reviewing your credit reports on a regular basis
for inquiries on existing accounts and applications for new loans is a
good idea. Remember that, under the Fair and Accurate Credit
Transactions Act (FACT Act), you can request a free credit report once
every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit
reporting companies. By rotating your requests, you can receive a
report every four months. For more information about how to request
your free report, go to annualcreditreport.com. To request your credit reports by phone, call 1-877-322-8228.
For a monthly fee, you can also get a credit-monitoring service to
notify you of activity. As with any product or service, make sure you
understand what you're getting before you buy. Some credit-monitoring
services take a week or longer to alert you so you might want to look
for one with daily alerts via e-mail.
Should I buy identity theft insurance or identity fraud expense coverage?
This is your decision. Some companies offer insurance or similar products that claim to give you protection against the costs associated with resolving an identity theft case. When deciding whether to purchase identity theft insurance, keep in mind that the law provides significant protection to victims of identity theft. Also check your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to determine if that policy already provides you with identity theft protection.
If you decide to purchase identity theft insurance, as with any product or service, make sure you understand what you're getting before you buy. Be aware that most creditors will only deal with you to resolve problems, so the insurance company in most cases will not be able to reduce that burden. Inquire about what services are available as a result of the coverage, the losses covered, the policy limitations, the deductibles and any exclusions. Be sure to check out the insurance company with your local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency and state Attorney General to see if they have any complaints on file.
Where can I learn more about how to protect myself from identity theft?
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The Better Business Bureau has co-released an Identity Safety Quiz so consumers can determine if their typical behavior places them at greater risk of becoming an identity fraud victim and what specific steps they can take to reduce that risk and increase their safety.
- The May/June 2006 issue of AARP The Magazine describes ways to
detect and guard against identity theft both online and offline. Read "Scams Unmasked."
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Where can I get more information?
- Visit the Ohio University Data Security website at www.ohio.edu/datasecurity for the most up-to-date information.
- Send an email to datatheft@ohio.edu.
- Call the Data Theft help desk at 566-7448 (local Athens number) or 800-901-2303 (toll-free) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
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