University of Massachusetts Amherst Data Breach Class Action

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 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” to better understand measures you can take to protect yourself after a data breach.

University of Massachusetts Amherst Overview

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, 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 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.