On September 11, 2024, Alma College reported a data breach to the Attorney General’s Office of Vermont. The breach occurred when sensitive personal information was inadvertently published on the college’s internal SharePoint system between March 2023 and April 2024. After discovering the issue on April 24, 2024, Alma College launched an investigation with cybersecurity specialists to assess the breach’s scope and determine what data was exposed. The investigation revealed that a subset of individuals may have had their personal and sensitive information accessed during this period.
The information that may have been impacted includes full names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and health insurance details. Although no evidence of identity theft or fraud has been found, Alma College proactively notified affected individuals about the incident. As part of its response, the college has offered complimentary access to credit monitoring and identity theft protection services through Experian for 12 months, providing additional support to those impacted by the breach.
In addition to offering credit monitoring services, Alma College is enhancing its data security measures. The college reviewed its internal systems and security protocols to identify any weaknesses and ensure they are addressed to prevent future incidents. The college’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding personal information includes strengthening both technical and administrative safeguards to protect against unauthorized access and data exposure.
Alma College is encouraging affected individuals to remain vigilant against potential identity theft or fraud by regularly reviewing account statements and monitoring credit reports. The college also provided detailed instructions on how individuals can protect their information. Those with questions or concerns about the breach can contact Alma College for further assistance, and the institution continues to take steps to ensure the security of its systems in the future.
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