Eastside Union School District Data Breach

The May 2023 Data Breach at Eastside Union School District

Eastside Union School District experienced a significant data security incident, which was first discovered on January 11, 2024. The breach involved unauthorized access to certain systems within the district, occurring around May 29, 2023. Upon discovery, the district promptly initiated a comprehensive investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity specialists to understand the nature and scope of the breach. This thorough review aimed to pinpoint the specific types of information affected and identify the individuals impacted by this incident.

Information Exposed

• First and Last Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number

Eastside Union School District's Response

In response to the breach, Eastside Union School District took immediate steps to secure its systems and mitigate any potential impact on affected individuals. The district has implemented additional technical safeguards to enhance the security of the information it holds. Furthermore, Eastside is offering affected individuals access to Single Bureau Credit Monitoring, Single Bureau Credit Report, and Single Bureau Credit Score services at no charge for 12 months. These services are designed to alert individuals to changes in their credit files, helping them to stay vigilant against potential identity theft. Eastside has also established a dedicated assistance line to address any questions or concerns from those affected.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you have been notified about the data breach, it is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your personal information:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your credit reports and account statements for any unauthorized activity. You are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to order your free credit report.
2. Enroll in Credit Monitoring Services: Take advantage of the free services offered by Eastside Union School District by enrolling at IdentityForce. Remember to enroll within 90 days from the date of the notification letter.
3. Place Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes: Consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your credit reports. Fraud alerts can make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name, while a credit freeze will restrict access to your credit report. Contact any of the three credit reporting bureaus to place an alert or a freeze.

For more detailed information on the data breach and additional steps you can take, please refer to the official notice provided by Eastside Union School District on the Maine Attorney General's website. If you have any questions or need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact Eastside's dedicated assistance line.