The Peddie School, a private secondary and post-secondary educational institution based in Hightstown, New Jersey, recently announced a data breach that compromised sensitive personal identifiable information of its students and staff. Founded in 1864, Peddie serves grades 9-12 and postgraduate students, offering a comprehensive curriculum with 150 courses and 34 subject areas for AP and honors. Additionally, Peddie provides an immersion program through School Year Abroad. With a total enrollment of over 500 students and more than 50 employees, the institution is known for its robust academic offerings and unique student experiences.
On May 23, 2024, Peddie began notifying individuals whose information may have been impacted by the breach, which occurred between October 30, 2023, and December 22, 2023. The breach was discovered on April 21, 2024, during an internal investigation that revealed an unauthorized actor had accessed sensitive information. The compromised data includes names and Social Security numbers. The school has taken steps to secure its systems and prevent further unauthorized access.
Peddie School has engaged cybersecurity experts and legal counsel to assist with the investigation and response. They have also notified relevant authorities and are providing affected individuals with information on how to protect themselves from potential identity theft and fraud. The school emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding personal information and enhancing its security measures to prevent future incidents.
As a precaution, Peddie advises those affected to monitor their accounts for suspicious activity and consider enrolling in identity protection services. The school is dedicated to supporting its community through this challenging time and is working diligently to address any concerns related to the data breach.
