Cornell University Reports Data Breach and Issues Warning of Identity Theft Risk

Cornell informed more than 45,000 current and former members of the University community that their names and social security numbers had been exposed when a University-owned laptop was stolen earlier this month.

The laptop that contained unencrypted names and Social Security numbers was apparently inadvertently left in an unsecured area by an employee.

The University has sent out letters and put up a website with FAQ's, that will be updated as information becomes available.

Data breaches like this go a long way in proving that we really have very little control over our own information. When information is hacked or stolen it is usually sold to multiple thieves via the many underground chat rooms, where buyers then use that information to commit crimes, empty bank accounts, apply for credit, obtain housing, cell phones, cars, medical services and employment, often without your knowledge -until the damage has been done. 

Take control of your identity -before someone else does!

Whether it be reviewing your credit reports, placing fraud alerts, freezing your credit, or hiring professionals to do the work for you, doing so before being notified of a data theft is key to reducing the impact -and risk of identity theft.