Letter from Dean Gau

Dear McCombs Faculty, Staff and Students:

On Friday, April 21st computer system administrators at The University of Texas at Austin discovered that a number of electronic records had been accessed from the McCombs School of Business computer server without authorization by an external internet address. These data include social security numbers and other information (name, date of birth, zip code) related to an undetermined number of alumni, faculty, staff and students of the business school.

At this point, the university is working to identify the records involved and the people affected. Specific details will be released as soon as possible.

The business school has created this Web site to help people potentially affected by this theft of information. Tips are provided on how to monitor credit records and protect identity. Because at this time we cannot determine who specifically is affected by this theft, I strongly encourage each of you to visit the web site and follow the steps outlined. In addition, an e-mail address (datatheft@mccombs.utexas.edu) has been created to receive questions and concerns from members of the McCombs community who may have been affected.

I am obviously concerned about this electronic security breach at McCombs, and its potential impact on all of us at the school. I have instructed the school's staff to do everything possible to secure the school’s databases against further intrusion, to determine the extent of the damage, and most importantly, to communicate promptly with every person whose information may have been compromised. Be assured that our team will do everything possible in the weeks ahead to respond to this theft in a responsible and diligent manner.

George W. Gau
Dean