The Arrowhead Regional Computing Consortium, based in Hermantown, Minnesota, disclosed a data breach compromising the personal information of over 65,000 individuals after detecting unauthorized activity on its internal network in February 2023.
Following an investigation, it was determined that sensitive data, including names and Social Security numbers, had been accessed and acquired by unauthorized third parties. ARCC has begun notifying affected individuals and state Attorneys General about the breach, emphasizing the need for prompt action and legal awareness in response to the incident.
The breach, disclosed by ARCC on December 7, 2023, stemmed from unauthorized access to its network and internal computer systems, which occurred on February 6, 2023. In response, the consortium initiated an investigation into the nature and extent of the breach, revealing the compromise of personal data belonging to more than 65,000 individuals. Victims were informed of such breach on January 11th, 2024.
This disclosure underscores the urgency of addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities and enhancing data protection measures within educational advisory groups and similar organizations. Affected individuals were notified of the breach, urging them to take appropriate steps to safeguard their personal information and understand their legal rights in response to the incident.
Given the sensitive nature of the compromised data, including full names and Social Security numbers, affected parties are encouraged to remain vigilant for potential identity theft or fraud attempts. Additionally, ARCC’s collaboration with state Attorneys General reflects the importance of regulatory compliance and transparency in managing data breaches and mitigating their impact on individuals and communities.
