A laptop at Buffalo State College was stolen which will potentially affect students all across New York State. The laptop stored the social security numbers of thousands of applicants, current students and alumni of SUNY schools, according to News 4 WIVB TV.
The laptop theft raises questions about the security of our information. A laptop is fairly light and easy to transport, which is easy for thieves to lift. Why wouldn't a complex information system be stored on a desktop computer or in another secure location?
Regardless of where the information was stored, it should have been encrypted and password protected. Even if the thieves have the laptop, they should not be able to access the information.
According to News 4, Buffalo State officials said the information has not been misused - yet. The fact that the information is even in a position where it can be misused is alarming. We're not talking about person numbers: we're talking about social security information. Once your information is stolen, changing important numbers like your social security number is no walk in the park.
According to Dennis Black, vice president of Student Affairs, UB has not received word if they are among the SUNY schools affected.
"This is not a Buff State issue," Black said. "Unfortunately we read about circumstances like this every week. We shouldn't be surprised that this happens. We need to be smarter about the info we have."
UB Micro sells laptop locks for $30. Had locks been used, this situation could have been avoided.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
