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Data Breach At Saint Xavier University: More Than 210,000 People Affected

Saint Xavier University (SXU) has revealed that over 210,000 individuals may have had their personal information compromised following an unauthorized cyberattack

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Data Breach At Saint Xavier University: More Than 210,000 People Affected

In a recently disclosed data breach, Saint Xavier University (SXU) has revealed that over 210,000 individuals may have had their personal information compromised following an unauthorized cyberattack. The breach, which occurred in July 2023, affected various personal data types, prompting the university to notify impacted individuals and offer resources to help them safeguard their information.

Who Is Affected?

Saint Xavier University discovered the breach on July 21, 2023, but further investigation revealed that unauthorized access began as early as June 29 and continued through July 18. During this period, attackers downloaded files containing sensitive information from the university’s systems. Affected individuals include students, staff, and possibly alumni or other individuals connected with the institution.

SXU has indicated that 212,267 people may be impacted, with the compromised data including names, Social Security numbers, and financial information. Each individual’s exposure may vary, depending on what type of information was stored in the affected files.

What Information Was Compromised?

The types of information at risk in this data breach include:

  • Names

  • Social Security Numbers

  • Financial Information

Saint Xavier has clarified that while not every affected individual may have had all these data elements compromised, the university is taking steps to notify each potentially impacted person.

How Did This Breach Occur?

While SXU has not explicitly detailed the type of cyberattack, the Alphv/BlackCat ransomware group claimed responsibility for the incident in August 2023. Ransomware attacks typically involve hackers encrypting an organization's data and demanding a ransom to restore access. However, this specific attack appears to have included the exfiltration of sensitive data.

What SXU Is Doing in Response

In response to the breach, SXU has taken several steps:

  1. Investigation and Review: After discovering the breach, the university conducted a thorough review to determine the extent of the data exposed and worked on enhancing the security of its systems.

  2. Notification to Individuals: Starting on October 30, 2024, SXU began sending notifications to affected individuals, providing them with information on the types of data compromised and guidance on protective steps.

  3. Credit Monitoring: To support those affected, the university is offering 12 months of free credit monitoring services, allowing individuals to monitor for any unauthorized activity related to their personal information.

What to Do If You Are Affected

If you have received a notification from Saint Xavier University regarding this breach, there are several steps you can take to protect your information:

  1. Activate Credit Monitoring: Utilize the free credit monitoring services provided by SXU to track any unusual activity with your financial accounts or credit reports.

  2. Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges or transactions.

  3. Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will make it more difficult for unauthorized parties to open accounts in your name.

  4. Consider a Credit Freeze: Freezing your credit report can offer additional protection, as it prevents new creditors from accessing your credit file, effectively blocking new account openings.

  5. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams: In the wake of data breaches, phishing scams often increase. Be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails or phone calls, especially those requesting personal information.

Looking Forward: Strengthening Cybersecurity

This incident at Saint Xavier University underscores the growing importance of robust cybersecurity measures, particularly for educational institutions. As colleges and universities store extensive personal data on students, staff, and alumni, they become prime targets for cybercriminals. Institutions can take several steps to enhance their security posture, including:

  • Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for accessing sensitive information.

  • Regularly Updating Security Protocols and Software to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.

  • Conducting Employee Training on Cybersecurity to help staff recognize phishing attempts and other common threats.

Final Thoughts

As data breaches continue to impact educational institutions, individuals must stay vigilant in protecting their personal information. By taking advantage of the resources provided by Saint Xavier University and staying informed about cybersecurity best practices, affected individuals can reduce the risk of identity theft or financial fraud. This incident also highlights the need for ongoing investment in cybersecurity for institutions that manage sensitive personal data.