If you needed further evidence that our institutions of higher learning are failing to secure personally identifying information, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) brought new supporting evidence this week.

According to a June 5 press release, VCU notified almost 50,000 current and former students of a data breach that occurred in mid-April.

A computer containing 17,214 students’ names, Social Security numbers and test scores, as well as the names and test scores of another 22, 500 students, was taken from a locked room in Cabell Library.

The information dated from as far back as October 2005, and included information of current students. VCU quit using Social Security numbers as student ID numbers in January 2007.

The VCU Police identified a suspect after a month-long investigation. The individual admitting taking the computer home for his own use, and said he got rid of it shortly after he stole it, according to Mark Willis, VCU’s chief information officer.

The case has been turned over to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether to file charges

“Although we believe that the risk of identity theft from this incident is very small, we are taking all prudent steps to protect our students,” Willis said. “We are also taking actions to enhance data and physical security in the area where the computer was stolen.”

Because so many schools, businesses and government agencies wait until AFTER a data breach to protect information, you need to protect your information before it’s too late.

Visit LifeLock.com to learn more about the identity services that already protect nearly 1.5 million LifeLock members. Enroll using the LifeLock promotion code DEFENSE and pay only $9 a month.

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