College and Identity Theft

Universities have become prime targets for computer hackers, who find ways to access huge databases of student names, social security numbers, and other personal information.

Colleges are known for having vast computer networks that are fairly open and insecure. This in combination with all the personal data colleges keep on record make them a target.

Some of the most recent and largest hacks are those at UCLA and the University of Texas.

The largest being UCLA, where a hacker had access to the records of over 800,000 students and staff, both past and present.

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse has indicated that there has been over 50 security breaches at colleges and universities this year alone.

Social Security numbers, Credit card numbers, dates of birth and other personal information can be sold on the black market and used to make illegal online purchases. Young adults, with their usually blank credit histories, make ideal targets for identity theft.

Other notable college databases that have been hacked recently include Ohio University, University of Southern California, and Georgetown University.

What you can do:

• Make sure your university isn’t using Social Security Numbers for Student Numbers


• Closely monitor your credit history


• Try and keep your personal information off the internet as much as possible