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USG Data Breach: What & How It Happened?

USG Data Breach: What & How It Happened?

Twingate Team

Jun 28, 2024

In May 2023, the University System of Georgia (USG) experienced a data breach, resulting in unauthorized access to personal information. The incident was related to a vulnerability in file transfer software. USG has implemented measures to prevent future breaches.

How many accounts were compromised?

The data breach impacted over 800,000 individuals.

What data was leaked?

The data exposed in the breach included full or partial Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, bank account numbers, and federal income tax documents with Tax ID numbers.

How was USG hacked?

Cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability in the MOVEit Secure File Transfer software used by the University System of Georgia, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive files. The breach was attributed to the CL0P cybercriminal group, but the specific methods employed by the hackers remain unclear.

USG's solution

In response to the hacking incident, the University System of Georgia (USG) took several measures to enhance security and prevent future occurrences. They immediately blocked the MOVEit Transfer software upon detection of the breach and have since fully updated and secured it in accordance with guidance from Progress Software and CISA. USG also conducted a lengthy investigation to determine which individuals may have been impacted by the incident and offered complimentary access to Experian IdentityWorks for 12 months to help protect affected individuals' identities.

How do I know if I was affected?

The University System of Georgia (USG) reached out to affected individuals following the data breach. If you believe you may have been affected but did not receive a notification, you can visit Have I Been Pwned to check your credentials.

What should affected users do?

In general, affected users should:

  • Change Your Passwords: Immediately update your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. Make sure the new passwords are strong and unique, not previously used on any other platform.

  • Reset Passwords for Other Accounts: If you've used the same or similar passwords for other online accounts, reset those as well. This is crucial as attackers often try using stolen passwords on multiple sites.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on any affected accounts. Consider enabling this additional security feature on all other important online accounts to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

  • Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial and personal accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions or changes to the appropriate institutions immediately.

For more specific help and instructions related to the USG data breach, please contact USG's support directly.

Where can I go to learn more?

If you want to find more information on the USG data breach, check out the following news articles:

Rapidly implement a modern Zero Trust network that is more secure and maintainable than VPNs.

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USG Data Breach: What & How It Happened?

USG Data Breach: What & How It Happened?

Twingate Team

Jun 28, 2024

In May 2023, the University System of Georgia (USG) experienced a data breach, resulting in unauthorized access to personal information. The incident was related to a vulnerability in file transfer software. USG has implemented measures to prevent future breaches.

How many accounts were compromised?

The data breach impacted over 800,000 individuals.

What data was leaked?

The data exposed in the breach included full or partial Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, bank account numbers, and federal income tax documents with Tax ID numbers.

How was USG hacked?

Cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability in the MOVEit Secure File Transfer software used by the University System of Georgia, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive files. The breach was attributed to the CL0P cybercriminal group, but the specific methods employed by the hackers remain unclear.

USG's solution

In response to the hacking incident, the University System of Georgia (USG) took several measures to enhance security and prevent future occurrences. They immediately blocked the MOVEit Transfer software upon detection of the breach and have since fully updated and secured it in accordance with guidance from Progress Software and CISA. USG also conducted a lengthy investigation to determine which individuals may have been impacted by the incident and offered complimentary access to Experian IdentityWorks for 12 months to help protect affected individuals' identities.

How do I know if I was affected?

The University System of Georgia (USG) reached out to affected individuals following the data breach. If you believe you may have been affected but did not receive a notification, you can visit Have I Been Pwned to check your credentials.

What should affected users do?

In general, affected users should:

  • Change Your Passwords: Immediately update your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. Make sure the new passwords are strong and unique, not previously used on any other platform.

  • Reset Passwords for Other Accounts: If you've used the same or similar passwords for other online accounts, reset those as well. This is crucial as attackers often try using stolen passwords on multiple sites.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on any affected accounts. Consider enabling this additional security feature on all other important online accounts to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

  • Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial and personal accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions or changes to the appropriate institutions immediately.

For more specific help and instructions related to the USG data breach, please contact USG's support directly.

Where can I go to learn more?

If you want to find more information on the USG data breach, check out the following news articles:

Rapidly implement a modern Zero Trust network that is more secure and maintainable than VPNs.

USG Data Breach: What & How It Happened?

Twingate Team

Jun 28, 2024

In May 2023, the University System of Georgia (USG) experienced a data breach, resulting in unauthorized access to personal information. The incident was related to a vulnerability in file transfer software. USG has implemented measures to prevent future breaches.

How many accounts were compromised?

The data breach impacted over 800,000 individuals.

What data was leaked?

The data exposed in the breach included full or partial Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, bank account numbers, and federal income tax documents with Tax ID numbers.

How was USG hacked?

Cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability in the MOVEit Secure File Transfer software used by the University System of Georgia, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive files. The breach was attributed to the CL0P cybercriminal group, but the specific methods employed by the hackers remain unclear.

USG's solution

In response to the hacking incident, the University System of Georgia (USG) took several measures to enhance security and prevent future occurrences. They immediately blocked the MOVEit Transfer software upon detection of the breach and have since fully updated and secured it in accordance with guidance from Progress Software and CISA. USG also conducted a lengthy investigation to determine which individuals may have been impacted by the incident and offered complimentary access to Experian IdentityWorks for 12 months to help protect affected individuals' identities.

How do I know if I was affected?

The University System of Georgia (USG) reached out to affected individuals following the data breach. If you believe you may have been affected but did not receive a notification, you can visit Have I Been Pwned to check your credentials.

What should affected users do?

In general, affected users should:

  • Change Your Passwords: Immediately update your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. Make sure the new passwords are strong and unique, not previously used on any other platform.

  • Reset Passwords for Other Accounts: If you've used the same or similar passwords for other online accounts, reset those as well. This is crucial as attackers often try using stolen passwords on multiple sites.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on any affected accounts. Consider enabling this additional security feature on all other important online accounts to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

  • Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial and personal accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions or changes to the appropriate institutions immediately.

For more specific help and instructions related to the USG data breach, please contact USG's support directly.

Where can I go to learn more?

If you want to find more information on the USG data breach, check out the following news articles: