Global Volunteers recently reported a data breach to the Attorney General of Vermont. The breach was discovered in late September 2023, when Global Volunteers noticed suspicious activity within its computer systems. An investigation revealed that sensitive personal information may have been accessed and downloaded by an unauthorized actor between September 19 and September 26, 2023. The exact type of personal information exposed was not disclosed, but according to reporting guidelines, it may include names, Social Security numbers, and government-issued ID numbers, among other sensitive data.
After the discovery, Global Volunteers launched a comprehensive review to determine which individuals were affected by the breach. The organization completed this review and confirmed that personal identifiable information was potentially compromised. In August 2024, Global Volunteers began notifying impacted individuals about the breach. The breach notice outlined steps individuals could take to protect their personal information and prevent further unauthorized use.
As part of its response, Global Volunteers is providing 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring services to those affected by the incident. The organization also assured the impacted individuals that it was taking the necessary steps to safeguard its systems and prevent future incidents. These additional security measures aim to protect sensitive information and maintain trust with the individuals involved.
Global Volunteers is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has been operating since 1984. The organization specializes in micro-economic and human development programs, working with local communities worldwide. Global Volunteers engages short-term volunteers in a variety of projects, including education, medical aid, and community development. Since its founding, the organization has employed over 35,000 volunteers across multiple countries.
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