Georgia Tech Security Breach

Just got a letter for Georgia Tech Security Breach between 12/14/18 and 3/22/19, even though my son was not part of 2018-19 cycle, rather 2017-18 cycle. Sure if you search online there are plenty of information about it.

My sons both received letters today saying that their information was part of the breach. They applied and were accepted, but did not attend Tech, 8 and 10 years ago. So, this goes back a number of years. I am both surprised and highly annoyed and concerned that Tech would still have their data in its files. It seems like there should be some point at which data is purged for people who did not attend the school.

I am a Tech grad from 40+ years ago. I did not receive a letter, so I called the number on Tech’s website for more info, and they said I am not affected. I honestly don’t remember whether Tech had my SSN; my state used it as the Driver’s License Number back then and I was employed by the school for part time jobs, so I assume they had it. Maybe it’s just in paper files in some dark basement somewhere. That’s not reassuring, but I guess someone would have to find it first in order to steal it.

I wonder how many other colleges still have my sons’ info sitting around in computer systems that aren’t totally secure.

Just got this for my son today. He was wait listed then rejected like 3 years ago… Thought maybe they reconsidered ?.

My daughter got the letter for this past year’s application cycle. I was checking her to make sure this was a scam of scams to get me to cough up her social security number and private information. Are you all taking advantage of the 1 year free ID Expert’s MyIDCare program? Also, my daughter is 17 …would she have any credit at this point? Does it start at age 18? No credit cards or anything like that for her.

@TXRunningMom to my knowledge, blank slates (no credit history) are more valuable to fraudsters as there is virtually nothing to be verify makes it easier for fraudsters. As your daughter is still minor, probably best thing to do is call all 3 credit agencies, as on https://notice.gatech.edu website, initiate a security freeze. You may need to unfreeze it, if she needs to apply for student loans (including FAFSA), non-dorm housing etc. Even though she doesn’t have her own cards or loans, a fraudster may do same without her knowledge (a blank slate is more valuable to fraudsters).
We are not likely to participate in MyIDCare program, rather he is already 18, had put security freeze and run a first free credit report from https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action just to make sure nothing abnormal is lurking, he found FAFSA loans and a credit card he uses on that report. He is planning to run free report every quarter rotating among 3 agencies.

Good advice. My identity was stolen in December right after we bought a car… Hmmm… I have stayed on top of it but it’s sucks and kinda strange someone trying to buy things in your name… I would take it seriously and freeze the accounts etc. This can turn into a huge headache later on. Take the precautions. There is also a fraud form to fill out on the FTC for once indentity theft https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/report-identity-theft.

This takes a few minutes but it’s very important if applying for credit, loans etc since it gives you legal proof so it doesn’t delay things he might need in the future.

@Knowsstuff in my view identity theft reporting to FTC is more or less like reporting robocalls to FCC. Also that is only after identity theft occurred. I would rather focused more on proactive steps to begin with. With all sort of breaches happened in last 7-10 years, virtually most of information for most people is out there somewhere, millennial kids are coming as very tech savvy, social media oriented, but less informed/educated on financial risks, parents has no choice but to get involved and stopped it upfront before their lives ruined by fraudsters well before even they starting adult responsible life.

Got the letter also. What is most concerning to me was the fact that D17 was Stamps finalist and we were told to fill out additional paperwork even though Stamps is merit based scholarship. I am concerned that our information might be stolen also??

Totally agree but If something happens and you need to “prove” to an agency then this is one way. It’s also on GT site also. If they need to apply for loans etc it’s a quick good thing to do as legal proof. Their website states the “why”. I am not saying the FTC will do anything about it but just for documentation purposes. I was required by one credit card that someone opened an account in my name to send in a police report or they wouldn’t remove it from my credit report. The police also suggested filling out the FTC forms.