Notre Dame Reports Donor Database Hack

Notre Dame investigating computer hack

The University of Notre Dame was investigating apparent computer hacking that might have gained access to images of checks sent to the university by donors.Security software discovered the intrusion on a server housing donor data on Jan. 13, university spokeswoman Hilary Crnkovich said.

The hacking occurred Jan. 13. Crnkovich said checks received between Nov. 22 and Jan. 12 might have been viewed by outsiders because of the breach, but declined to say how many donors may have been affected.

``There was potential -- and this is what one can never quantify -- this information was accessed by an intruder,'' Crnkovich said. ``We don't know if someone who took a look at the information on the server used that information.''

The university sent letters and e-mails to donors whose personal information may have been accessed.

The university set up a Web site offering tips to donors who may have been affected at www.nd.edu/support andstarted a toll-free hot line at (866) 640-7118.

Several donors have already contacted the university after receiving the e-mail, but no one has reported their financial records had been affected, Crnkovich said.