--- title: University of Massachusetts Amherst Data Breach Class Action Investigation description: At Console & Associates, our data breach lawyers are closely examining the recent University of Massachusetts Amherst data breach. image: https://databreachclassaction.io/hubfs/DB33.png --- 3 min read # University of Massachusetts Amherst Data Breach Class Action [Recent Data Breaches](https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/tag/recent-data-breaches) ![Featured Image](https://databreachclassaction.io/hubfs/DB33.png) Published: February 20, 2025 At Console & Associates, our data breach lawyers are closely examining the recent **University of Massachusetts Amherst** data breach. This data breach was disclosed following a cyber security incident at **University of Massachusetts Amherst**, which may have affected thousands of individuals, potentially exposing sensitive personal identifiable information.   ## What Happened? A recent report from the Massachusetts Attorney General's office states that the **University of Massachusetts Amherst** data breach occurred due to a cyber security incident that allowed unauthorized access to the university's computer network. The investigation confirmed unauthorized network access occurred on August 24, 2024. After detecting the security breach, **UMass Amherst** conducted a comprehensive review of the affected systems to identify compromised files and determine which individuals' information was exposed. The exposed information reportedly includes: - Full names - Social Security numbers [Data breach letters](https://www.mass.gov/doc/2025-274-university-of-massachusetts-amherst/download) were sent out by **University of Massachusetts Amherst** on February 7, 2025, informing affected individuals about the nature of the incident and compromised data. The university is offering 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring services to those impacted by the breach.   ## 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 **University of Massachusetts Amherst** data breach 1. Be wary of unexpected emails or messages claiming to be from **University of Massachusetts Amherst** 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](https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/guide-for-victims-of-a-data-breach)” to better understand measures you can take to protect yourself after a data breach.   ## University of Massachusetts Amherst Overview The [**University of Massachusetts Amherst**](https://www.umass.edu/gateway/umass-edge/world-class-public-research-university), established in 1863 through the Morrill Land-Grant Act, initially operated as Massachusetts Agricultural College before evolving into the comprehensive research university it is today. The institution occupies a 1,450-acre campus in western Massachusetts and serves as the largest public higher education institution in New England. **UMass Amherst** enrolls approximately 30,000 students annually, comprising undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral candidates from across the nation and internationally. The university maintains an organizational structure consisting of ten academic colleges and schools offering over 100 undergraduate programs and more than 120 graduate degree tracks. Its academic divisions include: - College of Humanities and Fine Arts - College of Natural Sciences - College of Social and Behavioral Sciences - College of Engineering - Isenberg School of Management - School of Public Health and Health Sciences - College of Nursing - College of Education - College of Information and Computer Sciences - Stockbridge School of Agriculture **UMass Amherst** operates with a workforce of approximately 1,400 faculty members and several thousand administrative and support personnel. The institution functions with an annual operating budget of approximately $864 million, derived from state appropriations, tuition and fees, research funding, and endowment proceeds. The university maintains multiple research centers and institutes focused on various disciplines including polymer science, renewable energy, agriculture, computer science, and public policy. As a land-grant institution, [**UMass Amherst**](https://www.linkedin.com/school/umassamherst/) conducts extension programs throughout Massachusetts and participates in technology transfer initiatives connecting academic research with industry applications.   ## University of Massachusetts Amherst Data Breach Victims Have Rights - Don’t Wait to Act How do you know that you were affected by the **University of Massachusetts Amherst** 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. #### [Salesforce Data Breach Class Action Investigation](https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/salesforce-data-breach-class-action) [Console & Associates P.C.](https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/author/richard-console) : Oct 8, 2025 12:40:28 PM At Console & Associates, our data breach lawyers are closely examining the recent **Salesforce** data breach. This data breach was disclosed following a... 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[Recent Data Breaches](https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/tag/recent-data-breaches) [Read More](https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/integrated-oncology-network-data-breach-class-action-investigation) ### Get A Free Case Evaluation ###### CoMPLETE THE FORM BELOW AND A MEMBER OF OUR LEGAL TEAM WILL CONTACT YOU FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW TO DETERMINE your eligibility. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Console & Associates P.C.", "url" : "https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/author/richard-console" }, "dateModified" : "2025-02-21T16:58:04.032Z", "datePublished" : "2025-02-20T21:33:52.000Z", "headline" : "University of Massachusetts Amherst Data Breach Class Action Investigation", "image" : [ "https://databreachclassaction.io/hubfs/DB33.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/university-of-massachusetts-amherst-data-breach-class-action-investigation", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://databreachclassaction.io/hubfs/C&A%20Logo%20New%20Transparent.png" }, "name" : "Console & Associates, P.C." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Console & Associates, P.C. is actively investigating the University of Massachusetts Amherst data breach, which exposed sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, following a cybersecurity attack on August 24, 2024.\n\nThe breach was confirmed after a thorough review by UMass Amherst, and affected individuals were notified via data breach letters sent on February 7, 2025. The university is offering 24 months of free credit monitoring services to those impacted.\n\n**Steps for Affected Individuals:**\n1. Monitor financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.\n2. Freeze your credit to prevent identity theft.\n3. Be vigilant against phishing scams related to this data breach.\n4. Update passwords and enable two-factor authentication.\n5. Use credit monitoring services provided by the university.\n\n**University Overview:**\nThe University of Massachusetts Amherst, founded in 1863, is the largest public research institution in New England, serving over 30,000 students. The university operates across ten academic colleges, offering more than 100 undergraduate and 120 graduate degree programs. With an annual budget of approximately $864 million, UMass Amherst plays a significant role in higher education and research.\n\n**Legal Assistance:**\nIf you were affected by the University of Massachusetts Amherst data breach, contact Console & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and potential compensation through a data breach class action lawsuit.", "author" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "Console & Associates, P.C." }, "dateModified" : "2025-02-20", "datePublished" : "2025-02-20", "description" : "At Console & Associates, our data breach lawyers are closely examining the recent University of Massachusetts Amherst data breach.", "headline" : "University of Massachusetts Amherst Data Breach Class Action", "keywords" : "UMass Amherst data breach, university data breach, Social Security numbers exposed, cybersecurity incident, higher education data breach, identity theft protection", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://databreachclassaction.io/blog/university-of-massachusetts-amherst-data-breach-class-action-investigation", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 60, "url" : "https://databreachclassaction.io/logo.png", "width" : 250 }, "name" : "Console & Associates, P.C." } } ```