LAWRENCE, Kan., The University of Kansas (KU) announced Dec. 27 it shut down a student housing Web site that lacked the proper security measures to prevent the public from viewing housing applicants’ personal and financial information. The credit card and Social Security information, as well as the names, birth dates and addresses of approximately 9,200 current and former students who applied online for housing between April 29, 2001 and Dec. 16, 2005 were exposed.

The site only handled student housing application fee payments submitted via the Internet. According to KU officials, the regular housing payment system and other payment systems at the school are secure and constantly monitored.

The university says there is no evidence any of the information was improperly accessed or illegally used. As a precaution, KU is voluntarily notifying affected people by letter and E-mail so they can take any actions they deem necessary.

The school discovered the problem during an internal computer security review.

“My colleagues in the Department of Student Housing and I sincerely apologize for the concern and inconvenience this situation creates,” said Marlesa Roney, vice provost for student success. “Although there is no evidence of any misuse of the information that was exposed as a result of the error, it is our practice to inform those affected of any potential for theft and to provide assistance in determining which precautions, if any to take.”

Those with questions may call (877) 529-4295 for assistance.

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