Harvard University Data Breach

What Happened?

Recently, a data breach was reported by Educational Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI), a service provider for tax document preparation for various educational institutions, including Harvard University. The breach involved sensitive personal information of individuals associated with the university, including current and former students.

The types of consumer information exposed in this incident encompass a range of personal identifiers and financial details. Names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, driver's license numbers, state identification card numbers, credit report information, and financial account information were among the data compromised.

The breach was disclosed to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, aligning with regulatory requirements for reporting such incidents. The specific nature of the breach has not been detailed in the public notice due to Massachusetts law restrictions, but individuals seeking more information can contact ECSI's dedicated contact center.

As a precautionary measure, ECSI has arranged for affected individuals to enroll in a complimentary two-year credit monitoring service through Experian. This service includes credit monitoring, identity theft protection, and up to $1 million in identity fraud loss reimbursement.

Affected individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant by reviewing account statements and credit reports regularly. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to financial institutions, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or law enforcement. For further guidance on identity theft protection, individuals can visit the FTC's website or call the FTC at (877) IDTHEFT (438-4338). Victims of tax fraud should report the incident to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using the resources available at .

For those wishing to take additional steps to secure their credit information, placing a fraud alert or a security freeze on credit reports is recommended. This can be done by contacting any one of the three major credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Once a fraud alert is placed with one agency, the others are notified to do the same. A security freeze, on the other hand, will prevent credit information from being released without written authorization.

To obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting companies, visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228.

The full notice to consumers, including detailed instructions on how to enroll in the complimentary credit monitoring service and how to place a fraud alert or security freeze, is available on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website's Notice to Consumers.

Remember, it's essential to act swiftly in the event of a data breach. By taking the steps outlined above, you can help protect your personal information and mitigate potential damage.