SUNY Schenectady County Community College in Schenectady, New York, announced a potential data security incident involving sensitive personal information. While the college is not aware of any misuse of data, its investigation revealed that names and other personal details were present in an email account potentially accessed by an unauthorized party. This prompted SUNY Schenectady to notify affected individuals and offer protective measures.
In response to the breach, the college has provided complimentary access to Experian IdentityWorks for 24 months. This includes services like credit monitoring, identity restoration, and $1 million in identity theft insurance. Affected individuals are encouraged to enroll in these services before December 31, 2024, and can contact Experian’s customer care for assistance.
SUNY Schenectady also advised individuals to remain vigilant by monitoring their credit reports and account statements for any suspicious activity. Consumers can request free annual credit reports from major bureaus and place fraud alerts or credit freezes to safeguard against identity theft. These measures aim to help individuals detect and prevent any misuse of their personal information.
The college has complied with legal notification requirements and offers further support through a dedicated hotline. SUNY Schenectady emphasized its commitment to safeguarding information and addressing the concerns of those potentially affected. The college also encourages individuals to educate themselves about identity theft and fraud prevention by consulting resources like the Federal Trade Commission and their state Attorney General.
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