Lawrence Tech Data Breach

Understanding the Lawrence Technological University Data Breach

Lawrence Technological University (LTU), a well-regarded institution in the field of higher education, recently experienced a data breach through one of its vendors, Athletic Trainer System (ATS). This breach potentially exposed sensitive information of student athletes. It's crucial for those affected to understand the nature of the breach, the type of information compromised, and the steps LTU is taking to address the situation.

In December 2023, LTU was informed by ATS of an incident that occurred in August 2020, where an unusual number of password reset requests for ATS’s student athlete database were received. Although it was not confirmed whether any specific data was accessed, the database did contain personal information such as:

• Names
• Dates of birth
• Social Security numbers
• Athletic medical information
• COVID-19 status
• Vaccination status

Fortunately, LTU's systems were not affected by this breach and remain secure. However, due to the sensitive nature of the data involved, LTU is proceeding with caution and has taken measures to support those who might be impacted.

Steps Taken by Lawrence Technological University

To mitigate the risk and assist the affected individuals, LTU has taken the following actions:

• Maintained communication with ATS to understand the breach and prevent future occurrences.
• Ensured a forced password reset on all affected ATS accounts.
• Arranged for two years of complimentary credit monitoring services through Experian for those affected.

What You Can Do

If you are a student athlete who was part of the ATS database, it's important to take action to protect your identity and monitor your financial health. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Enroll in Complimentary Credit Monitoring: LTU is offering 24 months of free credit monitoring via Experian IdentityWorks. You must enroll by June 30, 2024. You can enroll here using the activation code provided in your notification letter.

1. Review Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial statements and credit reports. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it immediately to the relevant financial institution.

1. Obtain Your Credit Report: You're entitled to a free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus once every 12 months. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228 to request yours.

1. Consider a Fraud Alert or Security Freeze: Placing a fraud alert on your credit reports makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. A security freeze offers an even higher level of protection by restricting access to your credit report.

For more detailed information and instructions on how to protect your personal information, please refer to the full Notice to Consumers provided by LTU, which can be found on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.

Additional Resources

If you have further questions or need assistance, you can contact Experian's customer care team at 833-918-8326. Be sure to provide your engagement number B118033 as proof of eligibility for the services offered by Experian.

We understand that a data breach can be distressing, and we are here to help guide you through this challenging time. By taking the appropriate steps, you can safeguard your identity and financial future. For more information about Lawrence Technological University, please visit their website.