ACSA Data Breach Affecting over 54,000 Leaked This Type of Info

The September 2023 Data Breach at ACSA

On September 24, 2023, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) detected suspicious activities within its digital infrastructure, specifically the encryption of certain files. This alarming discovery led to an immediate investigation with the help of third-party cybersecurity experts. They found that an unauthorized entity accessed ACSA systems between September 23 and 24, 2023. The breach allowed the intruder to potentially access and extract sensitive information stored on these systems, exposing the sensitive personal data of 54,682 people.

Information Exposed

• Name
• Address
• Social Security number
• Employer assigned identification number
• Online account credentials

Association of California School Administrators's Response

Upon discovering the breach, ACSA took swift action to secure its systems and mitigate any further risk. They notified federal law enforcement and are currently working to enhance their security measures and employee training programs. Additionally, ACSA is offering affected individuals, including those in Maine, complimentary credit monitoring services through IDX for 12 months. This service aims to help prevent identity theft and provide peace of mind to those impacted. For more details on the services provided and enrollment instructions, please visit the IDX response page.

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Steps to Take if You Are Affected

Given the nature of the data involved, it is crucial for affected individuals to remain vigilant. Here are some steps you can take to protect your personal information:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements, credit card statements, and any other financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
2. Credit Monitoring: Enroll in the free credit monitoring service offered by ACSa to stay informed of any changes to your credit report that could indicate fraud.
3. Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes: Consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your credit reports. This can make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. More information can be found directly from the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect identity theft or fraud, report it immediately to your financial institution, and consider filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission through IdentityTheft.gov.

About Association of California School Administrators

The Association of California School Administrators is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the United States, serving over 17,000 California educators. ACSA advocates for public school students from kindergarten through grade 12, as well as adult learners, focusing on ensuring equal opportunities for success. More information about ACSA and its mission can be found on their official website.

For detailed information about the breach and the consumer notice, please refer to the official disclosures on the Maine Attorney General's website and the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.