Security breaches in higher education were often in the news last year. We usually think of hacking when we learn of these kinds of breaches. Surprisingly, the top two reasons
for computer-security breaches in higher education in 2007 were not hackers.  The leading cause was unauthorized or unintentional release of sensitive information, accounting for 38% of reported incidents.  The second cause was theft, which accounted for 28% of the reported 139 incidents. These include thefts of laptops and storage devices. 

The Office of Information Technology uses SafeBoot encryption software which is designed to protect sensitive information if a computer is accessed without authorization.  For information about SafeBoot visit http://www.utsa.edu/infotech/Security/safeboot.htm.

Computer or network penetration was the third highest cause of security breaches in higher education, accounting for 21% of the 139 incidents.  While security breaches can be costly, the greatest harm is to an institution’s good reputation. 

More details about 2007 security breaches in higher education can be found at http://www.adamdodge.com/esi/yir_2007 and http://chronicle.com/daily/2008/02/1609n.htm.