University of Minnesota Investigating a Possible Data Breach

The University of Minnesota has notified state and federal agencies of a potentially massive data breach from a month ago.

A hacker claims they’ve broken into its database, which contains 7 million Social Security numbers.

The University of Minnesota reports a potential data breach

University officials said they launched an investigation as soon as they first discovered the hacker’s claim on July 21.

Their assessment is that the data that has been stolen is from 2021 and earlier. The database contains information going back to 1989.

Now, the University of Minnesota has bolstered its security systems. It says it has enhanced its multi-factor authentication capabilities and has started monitoring activities more closely.

The uni also reported it will notify anyone whose data the hacker may now possess.

Spokesperson Jake Ricker said the University of Minnesota takes the privacy and safety of all members extremely seriously. He added that it will investigate the situation fully and continue to provide all relevant information.

A rising senior, Jacob Cave, said there’s only a downside to having your information leak that way. He’s concerned about his personal info such as home address, transcripts for school, and future plans.

This wasn’t the only situation in which students of the University of Minnesota have been scared for their safety.

In April, they expressed concerns about crime in and around the campus. Since then, law enforcement and parent groups have been working together to deal with the problem.

Also, a previous data breach exposed information on government agencies and millions of Americans. The Minnesota Department of Education was among the first victims of the hacker attack.

Minneapolis Public Schools also suffered a data breach three months prior. Hackers later released all the information they stole on the dark web.

After the most recent hacker attack, it’s no wonder students at the University of Minnesota have data privacy concerns.