Someone hacked into Purdue's computers

updated 6:45 p.m. ET Oct. 22, 2004

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Someone gained unauthorized access to Purdue's computer network, prompting school officials to urge all students, staff and faculty to change their passwords.

"We have confirmed that some computer passwords have been obtained by unauthorized users accessing a number of computer systems," said Scott Ksander of Purdue's information technology office. "The full extent of the problem is still being analyzed, but we think it is important to exercise caution, and the best action to take is for all users to change their passwords at this time."

Purdue officials said that after the initial breach was detected, an investigation found that computers in several locations on the 38,000-student West Lafayette campus had been accessed.

The Purdue police department was notified of the hacking Wednesday.

The school has not been able to determine whether personal information was obtained by the intruder. Ksander said computer users should watch for signs that their personal information might have been obtained by others.

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