Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Data Breach Affects 37,064

On October 22, 2024, the renowned Saint Thomas Aquinas High School discovered a significant data breach. The breach, which affected 37,064 individuals across the United States, including six residents of Maine, involved unauthorized access to the school's network.

This breach exposed a wide range of sensitive information, including names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, financial information such as bank account and credit card numbers, student numbers, as well as medical and health insurance information.

The breach was initially detected on July 16, 2024, when the school experienced unauthorized access to its network. Upon discovery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School promptly initiated a thorough investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity professionals.

Despite the extensive forensic investigation, the school could not determine if the personal information had been misused. However, due to the potential risk, they decided to notify affected individuals starting November 20, 2024.

STAHS's Response

In response to the data breach, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School has taken several steps to safeguard the personal information of those affected. The school has been working closely with cybersecurity experts to enhance their security measures and prevent future incidents.

They have also provided best practices to help individuals protect their information. Additionally, those whose Social Security numbers were compromised have been offered complimentary credit monitoring services. A dedicated toll-free response line has been set up for individuals seeking more information or assistance.

Steps to Protect Yourself After the Breach

If you suspect that you have been affected by this breach, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your personal information. Here are some recommended steps:

1. Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies.
2. Place Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit files. This will notify creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
3. Consider a Security Freeze: If you are concerned about identity theft, you might want to place a security freeze on your credit report. This will prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name without your approval.
4. Review Financial Statements: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious transactions.
5. Protect Medical Information: Review your health insurance statements and contact your provider if you notice any unfamiliar services.
6. Contact Authorities: If you find evidence of identity theft, report it to local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

For more detailed instructions and resources, you can visit the Maine Attorney General's website.