Kennesaw State University officials received a warning before the presidential election that a server system used by its election center may be vulnerable to a data breach but did not notify state officials until after a potential hacker contacted them a second time earlier this month, The Atlanta Journal Constitution has learned.

The revelation comes as a federal investigation continues into an alleged breach at the university's Center for Election Systems that could affect millions of voter records.

More details about the alleged breach are also contained in records obtained by the AJC, including an explanation of why state officials are confident as they work with the center to prepare for a nationally watched special election April 18 to replace former U.S. Rep. Tom Price.

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Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga, speaks at the Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center in Columbus on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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In 2022, Georgia Power projected its winter peak electricity demand would grow by about 400 megawatts by 2031. Since then, Georgia has experienced a boom of data centers, which require a large load of electricty to run, and Georgia Power's recent forecast shows peak demand growing by 20 times the 400-megawatt estimate from just three years ago. (Illustration by Philip Robibero/AJC)

Credit: Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC