Update: March 19, 2018
The following message was sent by Vice President for Enrollment Management Monica Inzer pertaining to suspicious activity in the Admission database:
Hamilton College previously learned of an unauthorized access of information for current applicants. Earlier today, we were made aware that basic demographic and admission data were also accessed for applicants for the past five years. There is no evidence that applications, financial aid, credit card or social security information were accessed. We are writing to make you aware of the situation and what we are doing about it.
Upon learning of this intrusion into our database, Hamilton promptly began an investigation, engaged cybersecurity professionals to assist, and took additional steps to immediately prevent further unauthorized access to applicant records. The FBI has told us it is investigating this incident and similar intrusions at other U.S. colleges.
If you have specific questions about this security incident, please call 800-499-2668 or email application-security@hamilton.edu.
Safeguarding the privacy and security of all information is of the utmost importance to Hamilton College. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and are continuing to take steps to enhance the security of our IT systems.
Statement sent March 8, 2019
Hamilton College issued the following statement on March 8 pertaining to suspicious activity in its Admission database:
On Monday, March 4, 2019, Hamilton College learned that an unauthorized person may have accessed the system that houses applicant information.
Upon learning of the situation, Hamilton promptly began an investigation, engaged cybersecurity professionals to assist, and took additional steps to immediately prevent further unauthorized access to applicant records. Soon after we began our investigation, we reached out to those who may have been affected by the incident.
Components of students’ applications for the Class of 2023 may have been accessed illegally, but data such as credit card information and social security numbers are encrypted in our database, and there is no evidence this information was obtained. Financial aid applications, current student records, and employee information are stored in different systems and were not affected by the incident.
Safeguarding the privacy and security of all information, including applicant information, is of the utmost importance to Hamilton College, and we will continue taking steps to enhance the security of our IT systems.
