Antioch officials: Computer system was breached
Authorities are analyzing evidence to determine the extent of the intrusion.
YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (AP) — A computer system at Antioch University that contained personal information on about 70,000 people was breached by an unauthorized intruder three times last year, the school said Friday.
The university said there is no conclusive evidence that any personal information was stolen, but that law enforcement officials are investigating.
The system contains names, Social Security numbers, academic records and payroll documents for current and former students, applicants and employees going back to 1996.
Antioch University has campuses in Yellow Springs, Ohio; Seattle, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Calif.; and Keene, N.H.
The breaches occurred June 9 and 10 and Oct. 11.
The university said that when it became aware of the intrusion, it took the server offline and shut down the area that enabled the intrusion to take place. The school said it is reviewing computer security to make sure there are no other vulnerable areas.
“No conclusive evidence has been found that the intruder actually misappropriated any personal information,” said Bill Marshall, chief information officer. “However, authorities are continuing to analyze all available evidence to determine the extent of the intrusion.”
The university said it is contacting by mail people whose information could have been exposed.
Antioch College in this southwest Ohio village plans to temporarily close in June because of declining enrollment, heavy dependence on tuition and a small endowment. Officials hope to reopen the school by 2012 or as soon as possible. About 200 students are currently enrolled at the college.
The college is known for its pioneering academic programs that produce students with a passion for free thinking and social activism. Famous alums included “Twilight Zone” creator Rod Serling, Coretta Scott King and evolution scientist Stephen Jay Gould.
Founded in 1852 and about 15 miles east of Dayton, the college doesn’t grade classes, encourages students to develop their own study plans and combines academic learning with experience through a co-op program in which students leave campus to work in various fields.