In September 2024, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) discovered suspicious activity within an employee’s email account, leading to an investigation. The organization quickly began looking into the situation to assess the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation revealed that unauthorized access may have occurred, potentially compromising sensitive personal information stored in AACOM’s systems. The breach was traced back to a specific point, but its full impact was initially unclear.
By March 31, 2025, AACOM had completed a comprehensive review to determine the extent of the data exposure. The affected information varied depending on the individual but included key personal identifiers like names and Social Security numbers. The breach prompted AACOM to notify impacted individuals in writing about the potential exposure of their sensitive data. In addition to the notification, AACOM offered individuals credit and cyber monitoring services to help mitigate any risks of identity theft.
On April 8, 2025, AACOM began mailing letters to inform affected parties of the breach, detailing the exact types of data that were compromised. The organization emphasized its commitment to ensuring the privacy and security of individuals’ information moving forward. AACOM’s response included providing the affected individuals with steps they could take to protect themselves against further harm. While the incident caused concern, the organization took swift action to manage the situation and reduce potential fallout.
Founded in 1898, AACOM is a professional organization that supports osteopathic medical education and practices. The organization serves over 35,000 future physicians across 35 states, playing a significant role in the development of healthcare professionals. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, AACOM employs more than 50 staff members. As an advocate for osteopathic medicine, AACOM focuses on enhancing the skills of colleges, faculty, and physicians across the country.
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