[Dataloss] PA: Computer Breach Exposes Students' Social Security Numbers

[lyger]

(Note that the media source was directly involved in the data 
disclosure...)

Courtesy Mike Hill (MKEVHILL_at_aol.com)

(http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=6675365&nav=menu158_2)

The News-Item confirms one of its employees gained unauthorized access to 
the Shamokin Area School District's computer database.  It is the same 
system that stores student's personal information, including social 
security numbers.

That newspaper employee brought the security flaw to the attention of
school officials.

"Oh my god, people's identities are shot," Sol Bidding said, describing 
his first reaction when he learned of the breach.  It leaves open the idea 
that anyone could have hacked their way into the system.

Superintendent James Zack sent a letter home to parents stating "Your
son/daughter/student's Standardized Assessment scores, local assessment 
scores and Social Security numbers were contained in the system.  We are 
writing to you so that you can take steps to protect yourself from the 
possibility of identity theft."

[...]