Turke & Strauss LLP, a leading data breach law firm, is investigating Mercyhurst University, regarding its recent data breach. The Mercyhurst University data breach involved sensitive personal identifiable information belonging to an unknown number of individuals.
ABOUT MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY:
Mercyhurst University is a private, Catholic university in Pennsylvania. Established in 1926, Mercyhurst University was founded by the Sisters of Mercy religious institute. Over the following decades, Mercyhurst University expanded its curriculum beyond religious studies to offer a variety of degrees. Today, Mercyhurst University has 57 undergraduate majors in everything from biochemistry to dance and cyber security. Additionally, Mercyhurst University competes in NCAA Division I hockey and 23 NCAA Division II sports. With its main campus located in Erie, Pennsylvania, Mercyhurst University operates additional locations in North East and Corry, Pennsylvania.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Recently, Mercyhurst University discovered that it had experienced a data breach in which the sensitive personal identifiable information in its systems may have been accessed. Through its investigation, Mercyhurst University determined that an unauthorized actor may have accessed this sensitive information between January 16 and May 15, 2022. On November 7, 2022, Mercyhurst University began notifying individuals whose information may have been impacted. The exact type of information has not been disclosed by Mercyhurst University. However, according to state reporting guidelines, “personal information” can include the following types of information:
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number
- Financial information
- Medical information
- Taxpayer information
- Personal identification number issued by the United States IRS
If you are received a breach notification letter from Mercyhurst University:
We would like to speak with you about your rights and potential legal remedies in response to this data breach. Please fill out the form, below, or contact us at (608) 237-1775 or sam@turkestrauss.com.
If you were impacted by the Mercyhurst University data breach, you may consider taking the following steps to protect your personal information.
- Carefully review the breach notice and retain a copy;
- Enroll in the free credit monitoring service provided by Mercyhurst University;
- Change passwords and security questions for online accounts;
- Regularly review account statements for signs of fraud or unauthorized activity;
- Monitor credit reports for signs of identity theft; and
- Contact a credit bureau(s) to request a temporary fraud alert.