Data Breach Summary
Dordt University has announced a data security incident that may have exposed the personal information of students, faculty, and staff. The university confirmed that the breach resulted from unauthorized access to its network between April 21 and May 16, 2024. However, Horizon has clarified that due to the nature of the breach, they are unable to provide specific information about the client involved, as the data did not include customer names.
According to a statement from Dordt University, the breach was the result of a sophisticated cybersecurity incident. The school’s IT team detected the intrusion and responded immediately by initiating containment measures and launching a comprehensive investigation. External cybersecurity experts were brought in to assist in the forensic review and to help secure the university’s systems against further threats.
On June 19, 2025, investigators confirmed that the compromised data included personal information such as individuals’ names and potentially other sensitive details. While Dordt has no evidence that the stolen information has been misused, officials are urging those affected to take precautionary steps.
To support those impacted, Dordt University is offering a complimentary membership to Experian IdentityWorks℠ Credit 3B, a credit monitoring and identity theft protection service. Enrollment in the program is free and will not affect users’ credit scores.
The compromised files contained a range of data types, including:
Patient Identifiers
Sensitive Information: In some cases, sensitive data such as birth dates, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account information may have been affected.
Enroll in the free credit monitoring and identity restoration service offered.
Check credit reports (available free once per year from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for unusual activity.
Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if SSN or insurance data was involved.
Stay alert for suspicious communications or fraud attempts.
Utilize state-specific resources, such as the MD Attorney General’s identity theft resources, if applicable
Following the breach, Dordt University faces potential class-action lawsuits from individuals alleging negligence in protecting personal data. Data breach lawsuits often claim companies failed to implement adequate security measures or delayed disclosure of breaches, thereby increasing victims’ risk of financial and identity theft damages.
Affected users may be entitled to compensation for costs related to identity monitoring, fraudulent transactions, lost time addressing the breach, and emotional distress.
If you were impacted by the Dordt University data breach, you may have the right to seek compensation for the potential harm caused. Class Action U is dedicated to helping data breach victims connect with skilled attorneys who specialize in this area of law and can guide you through the legal process.
Individuals whose personal information was exposed may have valid grounds to join a class action lawsuit, allowing them to pursue restitution.
If your data was compromised, you could be entitled to compensation for:
Loss of privacy
Time spent resolving the breach
Out-of-pocket expenses
Emotional distress
By pursuing a class action lawsuit, you not only have the opportunity to recover damages but also help hold Dordt University accountable, potentially prompting them to strengthen their security measures. Reach out to Class Action U today to find out if you qualify for a data breach class action and learn more about the compensation you may be entitled to.
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