Varsity Brands, a prominent manufacturer of academic apparel and cheerleading uniforms, has confirmed a significant data breach that has compromised the personal information of nearly 66,000 individuals. The company first detected unusual activity on its systems on May 24, 2024, which led to an immediate response to shut down the affected systems and launch an internal investigation. Despite Varsity Brands’ assertion that the attackers accessed only a “small subset” of its files, the breach notification filed with the Maine Attorney General indicates a substantial compromise of sensitive personal information.
While Varsity Brands has acknowledged the breach, it has been vague regarding the specific nature of the exposed data. The company has stated that names or other personal identifiers were accessed, but it has refrained from disclosing what additional details may have been stolen. This lack of transparency is concerning for those affected, as it leaves them uncertain about the extent of the breach and the potential risks associated with the exposure of their personal information. In an effort to mitigate the impact of the breach, Varsity Brands has offered affected individuals complimentary access to 24 months of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, which has become a standard industry practice following data breaches.
Headquartered in Farmers Branch, Texas, Varsity Brands operates three key subsidiaries: Herff Jones, Varsity Spirits, and BSN Sports. These entities are deeply involved in the production and distribution of academic apparel, cheerleading uniforms, and sports-related products. The company boasts a workforce of approximately 9,000 employees and has a well-established reputation for its engagement in cheerleading competitions and related events. In August 2024, Varsity Brands was acquired by investment firm KKR & Co. Inc. for a staggering $4.75 billion, bringing additional scrutiny to its data security practices, especially in the wake of this breach.
As the investigation continues, Varsity Brands has expressed its commitment to protecting customer information and enhancing its cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents. The breach highlights the increasing threat of cyberattacks targeting the academic and sports apparel industries, emphasizing the necessity for robust security protocols to safeguard sensitive data. Stakeholders, customers, and employees are encouraged to remain vigilant, monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity, and take proactive measures to secure their personal information. The incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape, as companies must prioritize the protection of sensitive information to maintain the trust of their customers and stakeholders.
