New Jersey City University Provides Notice of a Network Data Security Event

Jersey City, NJ – July 26, 2024. New Jersey City University (“NJCU”) deeply values its community of diverse students and faculty. NJCU is providing notice of a network data security event that may affect information related to certain individuals. In June 2024, our computer network was accessed without permission by an unknown actor. In response, we immediately notified law enforcement authorities, took steps to secure our computer network, and conducted a thorough assessment of the matter to determine what happened and how it may affect information that was stored on the network. During our review, we identified that certain files may have been copied from the network, which could include an individual’s name and some or all of the following types of information: Social Security number, driver’s license number, financial account number, and credit card number. We will be sending notices with additional information to potentially affected individuals by email. 

Individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing their financial account statements and monitoring their free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. It is also recommended that individuals review the “Steps Individuals Can Take To Protect Personal Information” section below for additional guidance on reviewing accounts and credit reports, and to learn about placing a fraud alert or security freeze on one’s credit file.

Further, as part of our response to this matter, we are evaluating additional technical security measures and practices to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

If individuals have questions about this matter, we are including Frequently Asked Questions below. We are also establishing a dedicated assistance line to answer questions about this matter. The dedicated assistance line phone number and hours of operation will be posted when available. Individuals may also write to us at New Jersey City University, Attn: Office of University Counsel, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07305.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened? Between June 4 and 10, NJCU’s computer network was accessed without permission by an unknown actor and certain files may have been copied without permission.

Was my information potentially affected? NJCU will be emailing notices to potentially affected individuals. We will also provide the number for a dedicated assistance line where individuals can call in and confirm if they were potentially affected if they did not receive an email. 

What information was potentially affected? The types of information that could be affected varied by individual, but the information collectively included name, Social Security number, driver’s license number, financial account number, and credit card number.

Is NJCU offering identity monitoring? Yes, NJCU will be offering complimentary identity monitoring to potentially affected individuals. Enrollment instructions along with a unique code will be included in the notification email. We will update this post to let individuals know when the emails are sent. If individuals do not receive an email and want to inquire about whether they should have received an email, they can contact the dedicated assistance line when available. 

Does receiving a notice mean you are the victim of identity theft? No. However, to address concerns, individuals may enroll in the complimentary identity monitoring and take additional steps detailed in the “Steps Individuals Can Take To Protect Personal Information” section below.

Why is notice being issued now? Upon learning about this matter, NJCU moved quickly to investigate what occurred, assess the security of its systems, and identify potentially affected individuals. Comprehensive investigations to determine what occurred and detailed data reviews take time to complete.

When will NJCU send out email notice? NJCU is arranging resources to assist with notifying individuals and providing complimentary identity monitoring. NJCU will send notices when available. 

Was this a ransomware event? Yes, an unauthorized individual did try to lock some of NJCU’s files.

Did NJCU pay a ransom? NJCU is not sharing that information.

Was law enforcement notified? Yes, law enforcement was notified.

Is it safe to use the computer network? Yes, the unauthorized activity was remediated.

What caused the access to the network? This information cannot be shared as it creates operational security risks.

Are NJCU systems online? Yes, NJCU systems are online.

Can I contact someone directly at NJCU to ask more questions about this matter? NJCU is establishing a dedicated assistance line to answer questions about this matter. The dedicated assistance line phone number and hours of operation will be posted when available. 

Steps Individuals Can Take To Protect Personal Information

 
Monitor Relevant Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:

1. Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);

2. Social Security number;

3. Date of birth;

4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;

5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;

6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and

7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.

Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Equifax—www.equifax.com and 1-888-298-0045
Experian—www.experian.com and 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion—www.transunion.com and 1-800-916-8800

Additional Information
Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state Attorney General.