ATHENS, Ga. -
University of Georgia officials say an investigation has revealed that thousands of current and former UGA employees have had their personal information accessed by an intruder through the university's computer system.
Officials say the first intrusion may have occurred in late September when two UGA employees, who both work in technology positions, noticed that their user name and passwords were reset by an unknown person. They say data contained in university information systems were then accessed using those accounts.
According to UGA officials, at least 8,500 people may have been affected by the breach. UGA Vice President for Information Technology, Timothy M. Chester, called the breach an act of "computer trespass" in a statement released on Friday.
The data accessed contained names, social security numbers and other personal information, say UGA officials. Chester suggested all university employees take appropriate steps to guard against identity theft.
UGA says it will provide credit monitoring for affected persons who request it.
