The State University of New York at Fredonia and college campuses across the country are monitoring three related nationwide data breaches traced back to MOVEit Transfer, a file transfer software used by third-party contractors.
The MOVEit Transfer software cyber incident that has impacted three organizations SUNY Fredonia and the SUNY system works with – the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC), TIAA, and Corebridge. Each organization has contacted the university to alert it of the possibility that the personal information of students, employees, and retirees may have been impacted. NSC, TIAA, and Corebridge has assured SUNY that their systems have been secured and they are working with the FBI and global cyber security experts in an ongoing investigation to determine the impact of the cyber incident.
In the coming weeks potentially impacted individuals are expected to be contacted by one or more of these organizations. In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to request a free annual credit report from any or each of the major credit reporting companies Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.
Concerned individuals may also consider contacting the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftc.gov/ or https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft. In addition, here are links from two of the organizations where you can find additional information:
Frequently asked questions about this topic
What is the National Student Clearinghouse and why do campuses provide student information to this organization?
National Student Clearinghouse is a federally-sponsored organization used for sharing and tracking student education-related information for use in federally mandated reporting, as well as for research. It provides trend data and research evidence that many institutions of higher education utilize to improve the academic experience with services that ensure students maximize their academic opportunities and graduate on time. The National Student Clearinghouse helps education go further with innovative solutions that meet reporting, research, verification, transcript, and data exchange demands across the K-20 to workforce continuum.
What does TIAA do for SUNY?
TIAA is a benefits company used by SUNY campuses on behalf of their employees.
What does Corebridge do for SUNY?
Corebridge (AIG) is an investment company used by SUNY on behalf of their employees for both mandatory and voluntary retirement plans,
When was the data breach first discovered by the National Student Clearinghouse?
SUNY campuses learned in June that personal identifying information of students may have been compromised due to a global cyber incident. Information technology experts across SUNY launched an investigation to ensure the data breach did not extend to administration or campus systems.
When did TIAA and Corebridge notify SUNY for the MOVEit data breach?
TIAA notified SUNY of the MOVEit data breach on June 16 and then confirmed on June 29 that the breach affected SUNY retirement plan participants and retirees. Corebridge notified SUNY of the MOVEit data breach on June 27 and are still working on who has been affected on the SUNY retirement plans.
Why are SUNY campuses only now reporting the data breach to students, employees, and retirees whose information might be compromised, and to what extent has that delay deepened the vulnerability to identity theft?
SUNY colleges and universities are notifying the broad campus communities and retirees now because personal identifying information may have been compromised and steps have been taken to protect their information. This situation is evolving. At this time, there is enough information to provide to students, employees, and retirees who may have been impacted.
What specific types of personal data have been or may have been compromised?
Though not yet confirmed, based on how campuses utilize National Student Clearinghouse for the purposes of research, the compromised information may include name, date of birth, address, demographics, student identification number, financial account information, and social security numbers.
- TIAA: Potentially, employee or retiree data including personal identifying information and social security numbers may be compromised.
- Corebridge: Potentially, employee or retiree data including personal identifying information and social security numbers may be compromised.
Has there been any known attempt to use any of the compromised data, or any demand for ransom or other action on the part of hackers?
There is no evidence of any attempted use of the compromised data, nor any demand for ransom that SUNY has been made aware of by the National Student Clearinghouse, TIAA, or Corebridge.
What steps, if any, should such students, employees, and retirees be taking on their own?
SUNY and its campuses recommend that you use your right to a free annual credit report from each of the major credit reporting companies Experian, Equifax or TransUnion. You may also wish to consider contacting the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftc.gov/ or https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft
Please note: neither SUNY Fredonia Human Resources (HR) nor Information Technology Services (ITS) have any additional information to share beyond what is provided above.
