The American Theological Library Association (Atla) has alerted its members to a significant data breach that may have compromised personal information. The breach occurred between June 24 and June 27, 2024, when an unauthorized individual gained access to an employee’s email account. During this time, sensitive information, including names and Social Security numbers of individuals involved in email exchanges with the affected account, could have been viewed. Upon discovering the incident, Atla took immediate steps to secure the compromised account and launched an internal investigation.
To further understand the extent of the breach, Atla enlisted a forensic security firm to examine its email and computer systems. The investigation, completed on August 26, 2024, confirmed that personal information could have been exposed. Although Atla has not identified any instances of fraud or identity theft linked to this incident, they are taking proactive measures to protect their members’ information and restore their trust.
As part of their response, Atla is offering affected individuals a complimentary one-year membership to Experian IdentityWorks Credit 3B. This service helps detect possible misuse of personal information and provides identity protection services aimed at quickly identifying and resolving any potential identity theft issues. Enrolling in this program is entirely free and will not negatively impact users’ credit scores. To ensure timely access to these protections, affected individuals must enroll by December 12, 2024.
Atla encourages its members to take advantage of this credit monitoring service and to remain vigilant in safeguarding their personal information. The organization has provided additional resources on identity theft prevention and steps individuals can take to protect themselves against potential fraud. For further assistance, Atla has set up a helpline to answer any questions or concerns related to the breach, ensuring that its members receive the necessary support during this challenging time.
