Chautauqua Institution recently informed individuals about a data security incident that may have exposed personal information. The issue came to light on June 12, 2024, when the institution detected suspicious activity in an employee’s business email account. In response, the IT team quickly secured the email environment by disabling the compromised account and resetting passwords. To thoroughly investigate the incident, Chautauqua Institution enlisted the help of third-party forensic specialists to assess the extent of any unauthorized access and data exposure.
Following a comprehensive review conducted by the institution, it was found that an unauthorized third party might have acquired personal information, including first and last names, as well as Social Security numbers. Although Chautauqua Institution found no evidence suggesting that the information had been misused, the potential exposure raised serious concerns about the security of personal data. The institution remains committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information in its care and takes data security as a top priority.
In light of this incident, Chautauqua Institution initiated a swift response that included not only securing its email environment but also reviewing technical safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future. They are actively looking into enhancements to their security measures to bolster their defenses against unauthorized access. The institution emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding personal information and maintaining trust with those they serve.
To assist individuals who may be affected by this incident, Chautauqua Institution is providing access to credit monitoring services at no charge for twelve months. This service includes alerts for changes to credit files and proactive fraud assistance through TransUnion, a company specializing in fraud remediation. These measures are aimed at helping individuals protect themselves and navigate any potential risks stemming from the incident.
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