Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium Data Breach Lawsuit

In late 2024, Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium (GMHEC) experienced a data breach that potentially exposed personal information. If you were impacted, this article outlines the details of the breach, the steps you can take to protect your data, and how you may be able to join a class action lawsuit to seek compensation for any harm caused.

Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium’s Data Breach Investigation

On November 19, 2024, GMHEC discovered suspicious activity in their email environment. Upon learning of the potential breach, the organization took immediate action to secure its systems, involving cyber incident response professionals to investigate the situation. The investigation revealed that unauthorized actors had potentially accessed or acquired data from two employee email accounts between October 30, 2024, and November 20, 2024.

Following the discovery of the breach, GMHEC initiated a comprehensive data review to determine the exact nature of the data involved and the individuals who may have been affected. The review confirmed that certain personal information, including first and last names, as well as other sensitive data elements, were exposed in the breach.

To mitigate the impact, GMHEC immediately enhanced their security protocols, partnering with cyber incident response experts to strengthen their defenses against evolving threats. Additionally, GMHEC has committed to updating their existing security policies to prevent future incidents of this nature.

As part of their response, GMHEC has offered those impacted by the breach free credit monitoring and identity protection services to assist with managing the potential risks.

When Did This Breach Occur?

The breach occurred between October 30, 2024, and November 20, 2024, with suspicious activity first identified on November 19, 2024.

What Information Was Breached?

The data breach potentially exposed the following types of information:

• First and last name
• Social Security Number

This information may have been accessed or acquired as part of the breach.

What You Can Do

If your personal information was affected by this data breach, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Enroll in Free Credit Monitoring Services: GMHEC is offering impacted individuals access to Single Bureau Credit Monitoring, Single Bureau Credit Reports, and Single Bureau Credit Score services for a period of 12 or 24 months (based on enrollment). These services alert you whenever changes occur in your credit file, providing real-time notifications of any alterations or updates.
2. Monitor Your Accounts and Credit Reports: It is vital to remain vigilant against identity theft and fraud. Regularly check your credit reports and bank statements for any suspicious activity or errors. If you notice anything unusual, immediately contact your financial institution or service provider.
3. Take Advantage of Fraud Protection Services: GMHEC has partnered with Cyberscout, a TransUnion company, to offer fraud assistance services. These services will help you manage any fraud-related issues and provide remediation if you become a victim of fraud.
4. File a Report: If you believe you have been affected by identity theft, report it to your local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your state’s Attorney General.

File a Data Breach Lawsuit Against Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium