Skokie School District #69 Data Breach

Understanding the Skokie School District #69 Data Breach

If you're associated with Skokie School District #69, it's important to be aware of a recent data breach that may affect personal information you've provided to the district. Skokie School District #69, an educational institution committed to developing a supportive and equitable community for student growth, has experienced an incident that could potentially compromise the privacy of certain data.

The types of consumer information that were exposed include sensitive details such as first and last names, Social Security Numbers, credit/debit card numbers, bank account numbers, passport numbers, and medical ID numbers. This breach is particularly concerning because it involves a wide range of personal information that could be used for identity theft or financial fraud.

In response to this incident, Skokie School District #69 has taken necessary measures to address the situation and is working diligently to reinforce the security of its systems. To help those affected, the district is offering 24 months of credit monitoring and identity protection services through Equifax, a leading company in fraud assistance and remediation services.

Steps You Should Take

If your information has been compromised in this breach, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect your identity and financial health. Here are some recommended steps:

1. Enroll in Credit Monitoring/Identity Protection Services

• Take advantage of the free services provided by Equifax by using the unique Activation Code provided in your notification letter. Instructions for enrollment are detailed in the notice from Skokie School District #69. You must enroll by the deadline specified in your letter.

1. Monitor Your Accounts

• Keep an eye on your credit reports and account statements. Look for any suspicious activity or unauthorized charges. You're entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to request your report.

1. Consider Placing a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

• A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name, while a credit freeze restricts access to your credit report. Contact the three major credit bureaus to set up these protective measures.

1. Stay Informed and Report Any Identity Theft

• Educate yourself about identity theft and report any cases to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT. Also, consider filing a police report if necessary.

Contact Information for Credit Bureaus

• TransUnion
• Fraud Alert: 1-800-680-7289
• Credit Freeze: TransUnion Freeze

• Experian
• Fraud Alert: 1-888-397-3742
• Credit Freeze: Experian Freeze

• Equifax
• Fraud Alert: 1-888-298-0045
• Credit Freeze: Equifax Freeze

For further assistance, you can reach the dedicated assistance line provided by Skokie School District #69 at 855-457-0312, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Time.

Conclusion

The security of your personal information is paramount. Skokie School District #69 recognizes the seriousness of this breach and is committed to maintaining the trust of students, families, and staff. By staying vigilant and taking the recommended actions, you can help safeguard your information from further risk.

For more details on the breach and the response from Skokie School District #69, you can access the full disclosure on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.

Remember, knowledge is power in the fight against identity theft. Stay informed, take action, and protect your personal data.