Forum addresses security breach

Officials from several University departments met Wednesday night to answer students' questions about a recent security breach at the bursar's office, but some of the 350 students there weren't happy with the answers.\nThe breach, which students found out about last week, exposed the names and social security numbers of more than 3,000 students. \nRepresentatives from the bursar's office, Student Legal Services, the chancellor's office, the IU Police Department and the Social Security Administration were speakers.\nSome students said they left angry and frustrated. \n"Although the chances are slim that someone may use this information against me, it still remains a possibility," Sandra Rew, a graduate student, said. "This leaves me with years of worry and of knowing that this could really mess up my life."\nStudents who were not affected said they are also concerned. \n"This could easily have been me," sophomore Aaron Huffaker said. "I consider this a learning opportunity, and I feel fortunate not to have been affected."\nGraduate Student Organization moderator John Mersch said that although mistakes were made they were at the forum to realize the mistake and go from there. The organization was host to the forum.\nBursar Susan Cote said the bursar's office takes their responsibility in this event seriously. \n"If the students contact us with questions, we will do everything we can to answer your questions or find someone who can," she said.\nMany students asked what is being done in response. Cote said her office has been searching the Web for the names and social security numbers and will for the next few months. \nStudents also suggested using unique student identification numbers rather than social security numbers. \n"Even if we changed the IDs to random numbers, those with financial aid would still have their IDs on their account," Thompson said.\nWhen asked what the University will do for students who spent time notifying companies, such as credit card providers, about this breach, the speakers said they could not compensate students for this. \n"In 10 or 15 years, if something financially happens to me due to this incident, what will the University do," an affected student asked. \nThe speakers answered by saying they could do nothing.\nThompson said policies and procedures will change, working to prevent this sort of thing in the future.\nFor more information, students can contact numerous offices. Student Legal Services will work with students on a one-on-one basis about specific legal problems. To contact the Student Legal Services for an appointment, call 855-7867.\nFor questions contact the bursar at 855-2636 or bursar@indiana.edu; IUPD at 855-4111 or IUPD@indiana.edu; or the Social Security Administration at 334-4222.