Villa Maria College Data Breach Compromises Student and Employee Information

Villa Maria College, a small private Catholic college in Buffalo, N.Y., disclosed a data breach involving unauthorized access to its computer network.

On Aug. 12, 2024, Villa Maria College identified unusual activity within its network. The college began investigating the incident to determine what had happened.

The investigation determined that certain folders within the college's network were subject to unauthorized access and data acquisition between Aug. 7, 2024, and Aug. 14, 2024.

The college then undertook a comprehensive and detailed review of the data contained in those folders to determine what information was involved and to whom it belonged.

Villa Maria College ultimately confirmed on March 17, 2026, that certain personal information belonging to students and staff was contained within the affected data set.

The exposed information may have included first and last name along with Social Security number, date of birth, payment card information, financial account and routing numbers, driver's license or state identification number and tax identification number.

Villa Maria College began sending notification letters to affected individuals on May 18, 2026.

The breach was disclosed to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation on May 18, 2026, as well as posted a notice of the incident on its website.

Villa Maria College's response to the breach

Villa Maria College is offering 12 months of complimentary single-bureau credit monitoring and identity protection services through Cyberscout to affected individuals. Enrollment must be completed within 90 days of the date of the letter.

The college has also set up a dedicated call center for individuals who have questions about the incident. The call center can be reached at 1-800-405-6108, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, excluding holidays.

Villa Maria College can also be reached directly at 716-961-1838 or by mail at 240 Pine Ridge Rd., Buffalo, NY 14225.