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Division of IT: Security
IT Security Alerts
May 2007 Security Incident
On May 4, 2007, University staff determined that a database had been attacked by an unknown computer hacker. The attack began on May 3 and the intruder(s) retrieved sensitive information from the database via the Internet. Unfortunately, the attacker was able to retrieve the names and Social Security Numbers of certain University of Missouri staff. The affected individuals were employees of any campus within the University system in 2004 who were also current or former students of the Columbia campus.
Individuals whose names and Social Security Numbers were obtained have been notified or are in the process of being notified with instructions on how to monitor their credit reports for suspicious activity.
The University takes this matter very seriously. The University of Missouri has been and will continue to work diligently to secure the confidential data it holds. All companies or organizations using the Internet to serve their customers face this challenge.
What should I do to protect my personal information?
Individuals whose personal information was involved in this incident should request a free initial fraud alert to be placed on their credit files by calling any one of the three major national credit reporting agencies:
- Equifax
Direct Line for reporting suspected fraud:
(800) 525-6285
Fraud Division
P.O. Box 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374
(800) 685-1111 / (888) 766-0008
- Experian
Direct Line for reporting suspected fraud:
(888) 397-3742
Credit Fraud Center
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
(888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
- TransUnion
Direct Line for reporting suspected fraud:
(800) 680-7289
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
(800) 916-8800 / (800) 680-7289
When contacting the Credit Reporting Agency, you should:
- Instruct them to flag your file with a fraud alert including a statement that creditors should get your permission before opening any new accounts in your name.
- Ask them for copies of your credit report(s). (Credit bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if it is inaccurate because of suspected fraud.) Review your reports carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts. Visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ to request a free credit report. You are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- Be diligent in following up on your accounts. In the months following an incident, order new copies of your reports to verify your corrections and changes, and to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
- If you find that any accounts have been tampered with or opened fraudulently, close them immediately. To ensure that you do not become responsible for any debts or charges, use the ID Theft Affidavit Form developed by the Federal Trade Commission to help make your case with creditors.
If you have questions or concerns you may call (573)884-7222 or toll-free at (866)241-5619 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday). You can also use our contact form anytime. Our questions & answers page has additional information.
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