Student, Bright Future Records Breached at Northwest Florida State

An information security breach has been reported involving employee and student records at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.

Local, state and federal agencies are investigating the incident.

We want to be sure that we fully understand the situation and provide accurate information to those impacted, Florida College System Chancellor Randy Hanna stated in a release.

While some of the contact information is dated, we will be trying to reach every student whose records may have been captured.

According to the state Department of Education, the breach included more than 3,000 employee records and approximately 76,000 Northwest College student records containing personal identification information; and approximately 200,000 records with information including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, ethnicity and gender for students across the state who were eligible for Bright Futures scholarships for the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years.

The DOE has advised individuals that notice improper use of their Social Security number and believe they may be the victim of identity theft to contact
the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338).

Information about the incident is available at www.nwfsc.edu/security/.

Students who have attended or are attending Northwest Florida State College should contact the college for more information. Bright Futures scholars from 2005-06 and 2006-07 who attended other Florida colleges or universities may call 1-800-688-0656.