Georgetown University leaks data of students and applicants
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Georgetown University has leaked sensitive information belonging to students and applicants due to a technical glitch. The incident occurred after a scheduled maintenance of the university’s data management system, Ellucian Banner, from October 11 to October 16, 2024.
The leak was caused by an inadvertent setting change after the maintenance, allowing 29 students and recent graduates to access information typically restricted to administrative staff. It occurred between 8:00 a.m. on October 16 and 8:30 a.m. on October 17.
Exposed Data:
- Social Security numbers
- GPAs
- Financial aid details
- Immigration statuses
- Disability information
The number of affected individuals is not disclosed. Some high-profile alumni, including King Felipe VI of Spain, Hunter Biden, and members of the Trump family, may have had their data exposed due to this glitch.
Georgetown University immediately contacted the individuals who accessed the data and instructed them to delete any saved information. They were also warned that using, sharing, or retaining the data could result in legal consequences.
Georgetown University is investigating the incident and has pledged to implement stronger safeguards to prevent future occurrences.
