Nanyang Polytechnic computer system hacked, information on 240 alumni leaked

SINGAPORE - The personal and bank information of 240 Nanyang Polytechnic alumni have been stolen and leaked online.

Chinese evening daily Lianhe Wanbao reported on Monday that one of the alumni affected, Mr Ho, was informed of the security breach last week through a letter from the school.

The letter says that there was "unauthorised access" into the polytechnic's computer system. According to the letter, names and bank account numbers linked to GIRO payments were copied. It also says that the school has managed to delete the information from the website that carried the leaked information. It is not known which website it was.

Mr Ho is wary although he thinks that nothing can be done using the information stolen.

"If they have the ability to steal these information, they may have the ability to steal even more. The information they released may not be all the information they have," Mr Ho was quoted as saying.

The hackers retrieved information of those who were enrolled between 1994 and 1999, Wanbao reported. The school advised the affected parties to check with the bank on any aunthorised transaction.

Nanyang Polytechnic has reported the matter to the police. In the letter, the school wrote that it takes the matter "very seriously".

"We are conducting a thorough internal investigation and are also working with a leading third party forensics firm to conduct an independent investigation into this matter so as to strengthen our processes and systems," it added.

jalmsab@sph.com.sg

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