Personal information belonging to students and employees at Michigan State University (MSU) may have been compromised in a far-reaching data breach. The university was informed by two of its vendors, the National Student Clearinghouse and the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, about a potential leak of information stored in their systems.
Both vendors are third-party providers for MSU, offering educational reporting, data exchange, and verification services, as well as retirement benefit services to colleges and universities.
Furthermore, to assess the extent of the exposure and protect the campus community, MSU has initiated inquiries with the vendors. The breach involved the use of the file transfer software MOVEit, which was exploited by hackers in May, potentially affecting millions of individuals.
The exact number of impacted members within the MSU community is yet to be determined. In response, Dan Olsen, the MSU spokesperson, emphasized that both the National Student Clearinghouse and the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association have committed to notifying affected individuals and providing support and resources.
At the same time, the investigation into the data breach is still ongoing, and both vendors have pledged to share comprehensive information once it is complete. MSU is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with the vendors to address the breach promptly and protect the privacy and security of those potentially affected.
As the university works to ensure the data breach is contained, it remains essential to stay vigilant and respond appropriately to safeguard personal information and mitigate any potential risks to its campus community.
