Laptop stolen from UConn admissions

West Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - A computer with the names and social security numbers of more than 10,000 UConn applicants was stolen from the West Hartford campus.

UConn officials say they are investigating the theft of the computer which was being kept in a storage cabinet at the campus's information technology department. The theft was discovered on August 3rd.

The university is in the process of contacting, in writing, everyone whose name was on the computer, and offering those individuals credit monitoring coverage for a period of two years at the University's expense.

The information stored on the computer ranges from 2004 through July 30th 2010.

"We deeply regret this incident. The University takes security of personal data seriously and is continuing its investigation to determine whether any University policies were not followed." says Jason Pufahl, interim chief information security officer at the University. "The University will take corrective steps and, if warranted, disciplinary action."

An investigation by UConn police at the campus is continuing.

The Connecticut Attorney General's office is also investigating the incident. "My office is investigating to determine the cause of this security breach - putting more than 10,000 applicants at risk for identity theft," Richard Blumenthal said. "While there has been no evidence of financial fraud at this time, misuse of private financial information remains a threat and must be prevented. I am pleased that UConn officials have pledged two years of identity theft protection for individuals. Our investigation will also seek to ensure that measures are immediately implemented to prevent future breaches."