The Florida Department of Education says personal information, including Social Security numbers, of as many as 4.9 million people may have been exposed in a breach of the state's student financial aid website.
The department disclosed the breach Thursday and described it as "unauthorized criminal access." It said it learned of the intrusion on Oct. 19, according to the Florida Phoenix, and that the incident appears limited to the Florida Student Financial Aid website.
What the state says is and isn't affected
Financial aid itself is not at risk, the department said, including disbursements. WCTV reported that the department said the breach will not affect eligibility for scholarships, grants or student loans.
The department said it activated its cybersecurity response procedures, worked to contain the incident and notified law enforcement. Some department websites and online services may be disrupted while that response continues, it said. When the Phoenix tried to visit the financial aid site Thursday afternoon, it found a maintenance notice.
Asked how long the intrusion lasted, the department told the Phoenix it "acted swiftly to stop unauthorized access, contain the breach and secure its systems" and is working with other state agencies to determine the full scope. It did not say whose records were involved or how affected people will be notified.
