Lee University Data Breach Class Action

At Console & Associates, our data breach lawyers are closely examining the recent Lee University data breach. This data breach was disclosed following a cyber security incident at Lee University, which potentially exposed sensitive personal identifiable information of individuals connected to the university.

What Happened?

A recent report from the New Hampshire Attorney General's office states that the Lee University data breach occurred due to a cyber security incident where unauthorized parties exploited a vulnerability in third-party software used by the university.

The security incident initially occurred in March 2024, affecting the university's computer network. Upon discovery, Lee University implemented containment protocols and engaged third-party cybersecurity specialists to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

The forensic investigation confirmed that unauthorized actors successfully exploited vulnerabilities in third-party software utilized by the institution. More concerning, these unauthorized parties not only accessed but also downloaded confidential information belonging to various individuals associated with the university.

Unfortunately, the public notification does not specify the exact types of personal information that were compromised in the breach. However, the specific data elements exposed likely vary by individual and may include various categories of sensitive personal information typically maintained by educational institutions.

Data breach letters were sent out by Lee University on March 25, 2025, informing affected individuals about the nature of the incident and the specific categories of their personal information that were compromised.

Steps To Take If You Were Affected By A Data Breach

1. Monitor all accounts and credit reports closely
   1. Set up alerts for suspicious activity
   2. Review all financial statements thoroughly
   3. Request free credit reports and examine them for unauthorized entries
      
      
2. Consider freezing your credit
   1. Contact all three major credit bureaus to place a freeze
   2. Understand this prevents new accounts from being opened in your name
   3. Remember to temporarily lift the freeze when applying for legitimate credit
      
      
3. Look out for phishing attempts using information from the Lee University data breach
   1. Be wary of unexpected emails or messages claiming to be from Lee University
   2. Don't click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments
   3. Verify all communications through official channels
      
      
4. Change passwords for affected accounts
   1. Create strong, unique passwords for each account
   2. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters
   3. Consider using a password manager for better security
      
      
5. Enable two-factor authentication where possible
   1. Add this extra layer of security to all important accounts
   2. Use authenticator apps rather than SMS when available
   3. Keep backup codes in a secure location

For more detailed guidance, explore our “Guide for Victims of a Data Breach” to better understand measures you can take to protect yourself after a data breach.

Lee University Overview

Lee University is a private higher education institution with religious affiliation located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Founded in 1918, the university has evolved from its origins as a small Bible training school into a comprehensive academic institution.

The university offers a diverse catalog of academic programs across multiple disciplines, including liberal arts, education, business, music, nursing, and religious studies. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available, along with various online learning options to accommodate different student needs.

With approximately 5,000 students enrolled and a workforce of around 1,758 employees, Lee University is a significant educational institution in eastern Tennessee. The university operates on a 120-acre campus containing various academic buildings, residential facilities, and athletic complexes. Its annual revenue is estimated at $303 million, making it a substantial economic entity in the region.

Lee University Data Breach Victims Have Rights - Don’t Wait to Act

How do you know that you were affected by the Lee University data breach? Usually victims receive a NOTICE OF DATA BREACH in the mail, but the impact of a breach can be felt long before notices are sent to those affected. This can be in the form of fraudulent financial activity and other forms of identity theft.

If you believe you were affected, we encourage you to reach out to our data breach law firm for legal assistance through a no-cost consultation about your situation. We will review your eligibility to file a data breach class action lawsuit and discuss your legal rights and any compensation that may be available to you.

Complete our confidential contact form below and a member of our legal team will be in touch.