Kennesaw State was warned its server may be vulnerable to data breach

Merle King, executive director for the Center for Election Systems at Kennesaw State University, explains how a DRE, a touchscreen machine voters use when casting their ballot, works, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, in Kennesaw, Ga. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

Merle King, executive director for the Center for Election Systems at Kennesaw State University, explains how a DRE, a touchscreen machine voters use when casting their ballot, works, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, in Kennesaw, Ga. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

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.