Harvard University has recently reported a data breach that may have exposed sensitive personal information of some individuals. The breach, which was caused by an external cyberattack, involved unauthorized access to files containing personal data. Affected individuals are being offered identity protection services and are encouraged to take proactive steps to secure their information.
Harvard University’s Data Breach Investigation
On September 29, 2025, Harvard University became aware of a cyberattack that resulted in unauthorized access to certain personal data. The university immediately launched an investigation and engaged forensic experts to assess the scope of the breach. According to the investigation, the unauthorized third party exploited a vulnerability in Oracle’s E-Business Suite web application to gain access to the university’s systems.
Oracle, the software company responsible for the application, did not release an update to address the vulnerability until after the attack had taken place. Once the breach was identified, Harvard University took swift action to isolate the affected systems and began implementing the security updates released by Oracle to prevent further incidents.
The investigation confirmed that between August 9, 2025, and August 20, 2025, the third party accessed and downloaded files that contained personal information. Harvard University is committed to continuing to monitor its systems closely to prevent similar breaches in the future and is working to strengthen its cybersecurity measures.
When Did This Breach Occur?
The breach occurred between August 9, 2025, and August 20, 2025. However, the university became aware of the incident on September 29, 2025, after an external forensic investigation revealed the scope of the attack.
What Information Was Breached?
The following personal information was accessed by the unauthorized third party:
- Name
- Address
- Social Security Number
This breach involved sensitive information that could be used for identity theft and fraud. Affected individuals are encouraged to take immediate steps to protect their personal information.
What You Can Do
If you have been notified by Harvard University about this breach, here are some steps you can take to protect your personal information:
- Enroll in Credit Monitoring Services: Harvard University is offering free credit monitoring services for 24 months, provided by Experian. These services will notify you of any changes to your credit file and help detect potential identity theft. Be sure to enroll in these services as soon as possible.
- Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) annually through AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Place Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file with the major credit bureaus to help protect against identity theft. A fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new account in your name without your knowledge.
- Review Financial Statements: Carefully monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately to your financial institutions.
- Be Aware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or phone calls asking for personal information. Scammers may try to exploit the breach by impersonating trusted organizations.
By staying vigilant and taking these steps, you can minimize the risk of identity theft and protect your personal data.
