Virginia Union University Data Breach Exposes Personal Info Including Social Security Numbers

The February 2023 Data Breach at Virginia Union University

On February 13, 2023, Virginia Union University experienced unauthorized access within its network environment. This incident was detected by the university's IT systems, prompting an immediate response to contain the threat. A comprehensive investigation was launched with the assistance of external cybersecurity professionals who specialize in such incidents. The investigation concluded on April 1, 2024, revealing that certain personal information had been accessed and acquired by unauthorized parties.

Information Exposed

• Full name
• Address
• Social Security Number
• Driver’s License number

Virginia Union University's Response

In response to the breach, Virginia Union University acted swiftly to secure its network and prevent further unauthorized access. The university has engaged with cybersecurity experts to enhance their security measures and ensure the integrity of their systems. Additionally, affected individuals are being offered a complimentary membership to CyEx Identity Defense, which includes services such as credit monitoring and identity theft insurance.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

Given the nature of the data accessed, it is crucial for affected individuals to remain vigilant by monitoring their financial accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity. Here are several proactive steps you can take:

1. Enroll in the offered CyEx Identity Defense to monitor your credit and receive real-time alerts.
2. Place a Fraud Alert on your credit files to make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Contact one of the major credit bureaus to place the alert: Equifax Fraud Alert, Experian Fraud Center, and TransUnion Fraud Alerts.
3. Consider placing a Security Freeze on your credit reports, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely, which in turn makes it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts.
4. Regularly review your account statements and credit reports for signs of unauthorized transactions. Obtain your free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.

About Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University is a historically black university located in Richmond, Virginia. It offers a nurturing and intellectually challenging environment for learning, emphasizing moral values and ethics. The university is committed to providing comprehensive undergraduate liberal arts programs and graduate education for Christian ministries.

For more information on how to respond to the data breach, please refer to the official Virginia Union University Data Breach Notice on the California Attorney General's website.