UMaine Working With Information Security, Law Enforcement on Theft of Computer Containing Student Roster Data

A University of Maine laptop computer and media card used by a faculty member were stolen from a checked bag on an airline flight earlier this month, potentially exposing the personal information of 941 students enrolled in physics courses dating to 1999.

University of Maine System General Counsel has notified the Office of the Maine Attorney General of the information breach, as required under the state’s Notice of Risk to Personal Data Act.

Feb. 10, the laptop and media card were reported stolen from a checked bag on a flight from Seattle to Boston. The loss was reported to the airline and Massachusetts State Police.

As of Feb. 18, there has been no indication that the data has been used.

The laptop and media card contained student roster data. The records of 604 students enrolled from 1999 to 2007 included names, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, email addresses, grade data and course information. Records for 337 students enrolled from 2000 to 2014 included names, and course name and year.

The 604 whose records included Social Security numbers will be offered one year of free identity protection. Those services, to be provided by Experian Information Solutions at UMaine’s expense, include credit monitoring, alerts regarding credit changes and identity theft insurance.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, 207.581.3745