Berkeley Grads' Identity Data Stolen

yali writes "Did you get a graduate degree from Berkeley? Or maybe you just applied but didn't go there? If so, your identity may have been stolen. A laptop was stolen containing names, social security numbers, birthdates, and addresses of grad students, alumni, and applicants. University police suspect that the thief just wanted the laptop, but the irony of California's mandatory notification law is that the thief may now know they have something even more valuable. Berkeley has set up a website with information on the breach."

Comments

Re:Why do they need the SSNs?

[mshiltonj]

Here in Minnesota, I need to provide my SSN now just for fishing and hunting licenses. WTF?

We must verify your information against the Homeland Security Threat Matrix to see if you are a terrorist.

Since you have questioned the need to produce your papers on demand, you have exhibited suspicuous behavior according to our profiling specifications. Your threat rating has been raised three points.

Please report to your nearest Homeland Security office immediately for interrogation and possible re-education.

Thank you.