The Social Security numbers of 1,406 students enrolled at Penn State Altoona before 2005 may have been leaked, due to a recent breach in Penn State's cyber security, according to a press release on Penn State Live.
Malicious software infected a University Park computer server that contains Social Security numbers, according to the press release. The software permits the university server to transmit information to a computer outside of Penn State's network. The server was taken offline as soon as the university discovered the breach, according to the release.
Penn State Chief Privacy Officer Sarah Morrow said in the release that the university has no reason to believe unauthorized people accessed the information, but those affected should be cautious of attempts at identity theft. Penn State sent letters on Friday to individuals whose Social Security numbers may have been compromised, according to the release.
People seeking more information can call the Penn State Call Center at 855-842-8351, according to the release. The Federal Trade Commission provides information about identity theft on its website, http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft.
