Harvard University Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation
Harvard University has begun notifying individuals that a cyber-attack exploited an Oracle E-Business Suite vulnerability, allowing unauthorized access to certain personal data. If you received a breach letter, read on to understand what happened, the free credit monitoring being offered, and how to protect your rights—including potential legal claims.
Incident Overview
President and Fellows of Harvard College (Harvard University) detected unusual activity on September 29, 2025. External forensic experts confirmed that an unauthorized third party exploited a vulnerability in Oracle’s E-Business Suite web application to download files from Harvard systems between August 9 and August 20, 2025. Oracle released a patch only after the attack spree concluded.
Key Dates
- Attack window: August 9 – August 20, 2025
- Incident discovered: September 29, 2025
- Breach confirmed: October 6, 2025
- Consumer notices mailed: November 3, 2025
- Report filed with Vermont Attorney General: November 3, 2025
Data Exposed
The information accessed and downloaded includes:
- Name
- Address
- Social Security number
Harvard University’s Response
The University isolated affected systems, applied Oracle patches as they were released, and continues to work with external forensics experts while monitoring additional vendor updates. Ongoing security reviews aim to mitigate future risk.
Free Credit Monitoring & Identity Protection
Impacted individuals are eligible to enroll—at no cost—in 24 months of Experian credit monitoring, fraud assistance, and remediation services. Enrollment instructions appear in Attachment A of the mailed notice.
Download Official Breach Notice (PDF)What Affected Individuals Should Do Now
- Activate the complimentary Experian credit monitoring as soon as possible.
- Review bank, credit-card, and insurance statements for unfamiliar activity.
- Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze with the credit bureaus.
- Save all breach-related correspondence; it may be required if you pursue a claim.
Legal Options
If your personal information was compromised, you may be entitled to compensation for out-of-pocket losses, time spent addressing the issue, and future risk of identity theft. Class-action investigations are underway to determine whether Harvard University employed reasonable cybersecurity measures and provided timely notice, as required by law.
Company Overview
- Website: harvard.edu
- Headquarters: Massachusetts Hall, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Founded: 1650
- Industry: Higher Education
- Social Profiles: Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
I received a data breach letter from Harvard University — what should I do?
Follow the instructions in the letter to enroll in the free Experian credit-monitoring service, monitor your financial accounts, and consider placing fraud alerts with the credit bureaus.
How many people were affected by the Harvard University breach?
Harvard’s notice to the Vermont Attorney General does not specify a total number of affected individuals. The investigation is ongoing.
What information did the Harvard University breach expose?
Names, addresses, and Social Security numbers were accessed and downloaded between August 9 and August 20, 2025.
Did Harvard University offer credit monitoring, and for how long?
Yes. Impacted individuals can enroll in 24 months of complimentary Experian credit monitoring and identity-theft assistance.
How can I submit a claim related to the Harvard University data breach?
You may be eligible to join a class-action investigation. Keep all breach communications, document any related expenses, and consult a qualified data-privacy attorney or consumer-rights advocate.
How can I get the official breach notice PDF for Harvard University?
You can download it directly from the Vermont Attorney General’s website using the button provided above or via this link: official notice (PDF).