UM system offers security software

By Kelsey Proud

Published July 11, 2007

Experian Consumer Direct will sell the software to students at a discount.

In response to a May 4 computer hacking incident in which a UM system database was breached, the recent formation of a relationship between the UM system and consumer credit reporting agency Experian Consumer Direct will provide university students and staff with a new option against identity fraud.

The UM system is composed of UM-Kansas City, UM-Rolla, UM-St. Louis and MU.

The UM system will offer an Experian product called Triple Alert Monitoring for a discounted rate, according to a campus-wide announcement sent out via e-mail on June 20.

University officials were prompted to explore protection options after a computer security breach in May left more than 22,000 members of the university community vulnerable to data theft.

According to the news release, Experian was chosen over several other companies because it provided "the best value for the types of services they offered."

A monthly payment will provide those who buy Triple Alert Monitoring with certain benefits, including daily monitoring of all three credit bureaus, e-mail alerts about key changes to credit activity and $10,000 of identity theft insurance coverage, along with step-by-step assistance from fraud resolution representatives.

It is not unusual for higher education institutions to look into protection solutions.

Experian spokeswoman Heather Greer said she has helped other universities with similar problems.

"Missouri approached us with the desire to provide assistance to their students and staff but without the budget to do so," Greer said. "Therefore, we are providing our Triple Alert product at a discount to the students and staff directly."

The regular consumer price of $4.95 per month was negotiated down to $3.46 per month, according to the campus-wide announcement. Those who wish to purchase Triple Alert Monitoring can do so online on Experian's Web site.

Although Missouri students and staff can reap direct benefits of the lower rate, Greer said Experian's perks from the deal are purely indirect.

"There were so many people affected by the breach at Missouri that we wanted to come in and help," Greer said. "We hope that those who decide to use our product enjoy the benefits and peace of mind knowing that all three of their national credit reports are being monitored daily. The University of Missouri and Experian have no reciprocal financial relationship."