A hack into Ohio State University's computer system during Winter Intersession could pose a threat to anyone who has applied to the school during the past few years, according to a letter sent by the university.
OSU officials discovered a suspicious log-in to a server on the (OSU) computer system during a routine computer-security check, according to the letter. The university notified anyone who has ever had an OSU e-mail address, which includes those who have previously applied to the school.
The hack occurred in October and the investigation concluded last month.
Student information contained in the computer system includes Social Security numbers, dates of birth and addresses. The hacker's intentions, however, do not appear to be identity theft.
The purpose of the unauthorized access was to launch cyber attacks
said Jim Lynch, an OSU spokesperson. He added he is not aware of any cyber attacks that occurred as a result of the hack.
Computer and forensic specialists who analyzed the hack did not find evidence that any data was taken out of the system, but the school is erring on the side of caution.
OSU is offering a free one-year membership to Triple Alert, a credit protection program. Those interested must enroll by June 30.
When issues like this happen most folks do not take us up on the offer of the credit protection (but) we've paid for everybody who's affected
Lynch said.
OSU spent $4 million dealing with the hack, which includes the credit protection program, investigation and notifications. Lynch could not provide information about how many could be affected or how many signed up for the credit protection program. There are 517,729 former OSU students and 65,663 current students who are vulnerable, he said.
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Pamela Engel
