Global Data Breach Potentially Affects Higher Education Institutions in Idaho

Published: July 14, 2023

A recent worldwide data breach involving the MOVEit Transfer tool has affected the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC), as well as other businesses and organizations. Additionally, the Teachers Insurance Annuity Association of America (TIAA), and Corebridge Financial were involved. This data breach may have impacts to Idaho higher education institutions, including College of Western Idaho (CWI).

CWI is taking the issue seriously and is actively monitoring the situation and will promptly share any pertinent updates received from the companies. It is important to note that CWI's own IT systems remain unaffected by this data security event.

The College was notified that unauthorized access to student data occurred during a breach of NSC's file transfer system. NSC utilizes this tool for accepting data transfers, which includes financial aid compliance data from numerous colleges across the country, including CWI and other higher education institutions in the state. Personally identifiable information such as dates of birth and social security numbers may have been accessed. However, NSC has yet to determine the sensitive information that was compromised, and the company stated it could take a few weeks to determine which students may have potentially been affected by the breach.

To learn more about the data breach and Clearinghouse's response, visit their website. Students are encouraged to monitor the website regularly for further information from the Clearinghouse.

In addition, both of CWI’s Optional Retirement Plan providers, TIAA and Corebridge Financial have been impacted by the MOVEit breach. The personal information of institution employees may have been compromised. CWI’s Human Resource Department will communicate with employees who participate in TIAA and Corebridge Financial.

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