Major data leak at VU due to theft of laptops
Two laptops containing personal data of alumni who studied there between 2003 and 2019 were stolen at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). The institution reported the theft to the police.
According to university magazine Ad Valvas, the stolen laptops included copies of passports and residence permits, grade lists, diplomas and data on arrears. The VU reports that both Dutch and international alumni were involved, some of whom were only taking a minor course.
The usual IT security was not active on the laptops and the data was not encrypted. The VU cannot therefore rule out the possibility that the perpetrators could access the personal data. A report has been made to the Personal Data Authority. Alumni have been informed of the leak and a police report has been filed.
In 2020, TU Delft suffered a data leak due to the theft of a laptop that was not encrypted. The stolen laptop contained the names and addresses of 14 thousand students, personnel data of 1100 employees, and cover letters and resumes of 200 applicants. (HOP, PvT/ Delta, AdB)
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