St. Mary's Catholic High School Data Breach

Understanding the St. Mary’s Catholic High School Data Breach

In an era where data security is paramount, it's disconcerting to learn that even educational institutions are not immune to cyber-attacks. St. Mary's Catholic High School recently experienced a data breach that resulted in unauthorized access to personal information. If you are affiliated with the school, it's crucial to understand the implications of this breach and the steps you can take to protect your information.

What Happened?

On October 15, 2023, St. Mary's Catholic High School was alerted by its IT services provider, Veeya, to a cyber-attack. The school took immediate action to investigate the extent of the breach and recently concluded that personal identifiable information (PII) was involved. It's important to note that as of now, there is no evidence of misuse of the data.

What Information Was Involved?

The unauthorized access compromised two types of personal information: names and Social Security numbers. This kind of information can be particularly sensitive, as it can be used for identity theft and other fraudulent activities.

What Are We Doing?

St. Mary’s Catholic High School is taking this incident very seriously. They've engaged a leading forensic investigation firm to secure their network and prevent future breaches. Additionally, they've implemented enhanced monitoring tools to safeguard personal information.

What You Can Do

Vigilance is key in preventing identity theft and fraud. Monitor your account statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. It's also recommended to contact your financial institution and the major credit bureaus to alert them of the breach. Placing a fraud alert on your credit file may be a prudent step.

Resources Available to You

St. Mary's Catholic High School is offering Single Bureau Credit Monitoring services at no charge for twenty-four months. To enroll, visit IdentityForce and use the unique code KU3JVFM when prompted.

For more information, Cyberscout has set up a call center to assist you. Call 1-833-914-4409 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, and provide the unique code above.

Additional Information

• Credit Reports: Obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228.

• Security Freeze: You have the right to place a security freeze on your credit report. This can prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. To request a security freeze, visit the websites of Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

• Fraud Alerts: Place fraud alerts with the three credit bureaus by visiting Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian.

• File Police Report: If you experience identity fraud, you have the right to file a police report.

• FTC and Attorneys General: Educate yourself about identity theft and protective steps by contacting the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov or your state Attorney General.

The disclosure notice provided by St. Mary's Catholic High School can be found on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.

St. Mary's Catholic High School is committed to the privacy and security of personal information and extends its sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused by this incident. By taking the recommended steps and utilizing the resources provided, you can help secure your personal information and mitigate potential risks.