Peddie School Data Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers and More

The Peddie School recently experienced a data breach that may have compromised personal information of individuals associated with the institution. The breach was disclosed to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, highlighting the seriousness of the incident. The investigation into the breach revealed that unauthorized access to data occurred, leading to potential exposure of sensitive personal information.

The following types of personal information were potentially compromised in the breach:

• Name
• Social Security number
• Taxpayer identification number

The Peddie School's Response

Upon discovering the breach, The Peddie School took immediate action to address the situation and prevent further unauthorized access. They have implemented additional security measures within their network and reviewed their policies and procedures to enhance data protection. Federal law enforcement has been notified, and relevant regulators have been informed of the breach.

To assist those affected, The Peddie School is offering 24 months of complimentary access to Experian’s IdentityWorks, a service that provides identity detection and resolution of identity theft. This service includes credit monitoring and an identity theft insurance policy. For more details and to enroll in this service, affected individuals can visit Experian IdentityWorks and use the provided activation code.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

Given the nature of the data involved, it is crucial for affected individuals to take proactive steps to protect their identity. Here are some recommended actions:

1. Enroll in the Complimentary Identity Protection Service: Take advantage of the free service offered by The Peddie School to help monitor and protect your identity.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the major credit bureaus, which can be obtained through AnnualCreditReport.com.
3. Place Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes: Consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your credit reports to make it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Contact the major credit bureaus to set these up:
1. Equifax: Equifax Services
2. Experian: Experian Help
3. TransUnion: TransUnion Credit Help

1. Stay Informed: Stay aware of any further communications from The Peddie School regarding the breach and follow their guidance.

The full notice to consumers, which includes more detailed information and additional steps you can take, is available on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.

By following these steps, you can help safeguard your personal information and mitigate the potential impacts of this data breach. Remember, vigilance is key in protecting your identity and personal data.