Wilkes University Data Breach Lawsuit

Wilkes University recently experienced a data breach involving unauthorized access to its network. While the university has taken steps to address the issue, affected individuals must understand their rights and potential next steps to protect themselves. If you were impacted, this article outlines the details of the breach and the steps you can take to safeguard your personal information.

Wilkes University’s Data Breach Investigation

On January 25, 2025, Wilkes University became aware that an unauthorized actor had potentially gained access to its network environment. The breach was discovered on October 8, 2025, after an extensive forensic investigation and manual review of the affected systems. The university worked closely with cybersecurity experts to determine whether any personal or sensitive data had been compromised.

The breach occurred over the course of two days, from January 25 to January 26, 2025. After thoroughly reviewing the impacted systems, Wilkes University confirmed that certain personal information was accessed during this period. While there is no indication that this data has been misused for identity theft or financial fraud, the university is offering free identity theft protection services as a precautionary measure.

The university is committed to enhancing its internal security measures to prevent future breaches and is continuously reviewing its practices to ensure the safety of its network and the personal information entrusted to it.

When Did This Breach Occur?

The breach took place between January 25 and January 26, 2025, but was not discovered until October 8, 2025, after a thorough investigation and review of the affected systems. The delay in discovering the breach underscores the importance of monitoring your information even when a breach has been detected months after the initial event.

What Information Was Breached?

While the specific types of personal information exposed in the breach have not been fully disclosed, it is likely that the compromised data included sensitive details such as:

• Full name
• Social Security number
• Address
• Date of birth
• Financial account information

The exact nature of the compromised data is still under investigation, and Wilkes University is taking all necessary steps to protect the impacted individuals.

What You Can Do

Although Wilkes University has stated that there is no evidence that your personal information has been misused, it is still important to take proactive steps to protect yourself:

1. Enroll in Free Identity Theft Protection: Wilkes University is offering a complimentary one-year membership with Cyberscout, a TransUnion company, which provides identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and fraud resolution services. This service can help you manage and resolve issues if your identity is compromised.
2. Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Immediately report any irregularities to your bank or financial institution.
3. Place a Fraud Alert or Security Freeze: Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit file with the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert notifies creditors that your information may have been compromised, while a security freeze blocks new credit from being opened in your name.
4. Obtain a Free Credit Report: Visit Annual Credit Report to request your free annual credit reports and monitor them for any unusual activity.
5. Stay Vigilant: Even if your information has not been misused yet, remain vigilant against potential identity theft. Regularly check your credit report and bank statements, and be cautious about any suspicious phone calls or emails asking for your personal information.

File a Data Breach Lawsuit Against Wilkes University