The financial aid records of more than 15,000 Kapi'olani Community College students may have been compromised from a computer virus, university officials say.

A computer with access to personal information of financial aid applicants was infected with a specific piece of "malware" that has the potential to steal sensitive data. The computer did not have the financial information on it, but was on a network where the sensitive data was stored.

The information that could have been accessed included information necessary for financial aid applications, including names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and Social Security numbers.

Anyone who suspects their information may have been compromised is urged to call 734-9522 or go to www.kcc.hawaii.edu/object/idalerts.html.