Recently, Student Transportation of America (STA) reported a data breach to the Attorney General of Maine, indicating that sensitive personal identifiable information may have been compromised. The breach was discovered on January 24, 2024, when STA was alerted to suspicious activity in an employee’s email account. This prompted the company to initiate an investigation to ascertain the extent of the incident and determine how the breach occurred. The investigation revealed that unauthorized access was gained through the email accounts of certain STA employees, which raised significant concerns regarding the security of personal data stored within their systems.
As the investigation unfolded, STA worked diligently to review the data that may have been affected. On July 15, 2024, the company completed its review, identifying specific types of personal information that could have been exposed during the breach. Although the details varied from individual to individual, the information potentially impacted included names and Social Security numbers. This finding underscored the serious implications of the breach, as such information can be exploited for identity theft and fraud.
To address the situation and inform those affected, STA began mailing data breach notification letters on August 8, 2024. These letters detailed the sensitive information that may have been compromised and provided guidance on steps individuals could take to protect themselves. Additionally, STA offered twelve months of complimentary credit monitoring services to help mitigate the risk of identity theft for those impacted by the breach. The company emphasized its commitment to transparency and support during this difficult time, seeking to reassure affected individuals of their proactive response.
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Wall Township, New Jersey, Student Transportation of America operates a fleet of over 22,000 vehicles across the United States and Canada. The company delivers safe and reliable transportation services to public and private schools in more than 300 school districts. In addition to traditional student transportation, STA provides various services, including contracted services, charter services, and special needs transportation. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, STA plays a vital role in the education sector, prioritizing safety and reliability in its operations.
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