The computer server was managed by a Georgetown University researcher as part of a grant to manage information on the various services provided through the D.C. Office on Aging. The grant has been active since 1983 providing a service to help the D.C. Office on Aging track services.
On February 24, Georgetown University notified the D.C. Office on Aging of the computer intrusion. At that time, Georgetown reported that its internal investigation had confirmed that a computer server used to provide information to the D.C. Office on Aging had been compromised. As a result the university disconnected the computer server from the Georgetown University computer network. This intrusion was initially detected through a routine internal monitoring system administered by the Georgetown Information Security Office.
On Tuesday, February 28, 2006 the United States Secret Service took custody of the computer server for forensic testing.
At this time Georgetown has no evidence that personal data have been misused. However, Georgetown is making every reasonable effort to notify all individuals whose personal information may have been exposed on the affected server.
In the meantime, and as a precaution, Georgetown University and the D.C. Office on Aging suggest that individuals who have received services through DCOA programs should consider placing a fraud alert on their credit reporting accounts, which can be done free of charge.
Georgetown has established a toll free phone number 1-866-740-2458 and a Web site for more information.
