UCF data hack affects 63K students and alumni

The University of Central Florida is moving quickly to notify and protect current and former students affected by a computer hack that compromised personal information in January.

An estimated 63,000 current and former UCF students plus school staff were affected. The hack includes names and social security numbers, but not credit card or student information.

The security compromise was discovered by UCF officials on Jan. 8, and the school enlisted outside investigators to determine what happened.

The investigation, which began as soon as the school was aware of the hack, included UCF authorities and a national digital forensics firm.

"Law enforcement has been involved right from the start," Binette said.

According to UCF News & Information's Chad Binette, student athletes and members of athletic staff were less than 1,000 of the total compromised.

"There were a mix of current and former students," among the rest, he said.

Those affected will begin receiving letters in the mail notifying them of the breach and how UCF will help to protect their identities and credit, including extending free credit monitoring. The school has already made moves to enhance information security in the wake of the breach, Binette said.

The investigation is still ongoing.

The university has a hotline to call regarding issues at 877-752-5527 or those who believe they may be affected can visit www.ucf.edu/datasecurity