Notice of Data Breach

On March 20, 2023, Shoreline Community College experienced a ransomware incident that affected our computer systems. Upon discovering the incident, we promptly took action to secure the network, commenced an investigation, and a third-party cybersecurity firm was engaged to assist. We began working with our in-house technical team, outside legal counsel, and the cybersecurity firm to determine what happened, the scope of data that was potentially accessed, and what steps can be taken to further protect our data.   

During the course of the investigation, we learned that some data was accessed by an unauthorized third party between February 27, 2023, and March 20, 2023. On April 5, 2023, we confirmed that the documents involved contained certain information relating to some of our students, staff, and faculty, including their names and one or more of the following data elements: Social Security numbers, passport numbers, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, financial account numbers, and/or attestations regarding COVID-19 test results.  

While we have no indication that any of this information has been misused, we are notifying individuals whose information was potentially involved in this incident and remind everyone that it is always advisable to remain vigilant for signs of unauthorized activity by reviewing your credit reports and financial account statements. If you see charges or activity you did not authorize, we suggest that you contact your institution immediately.   

In an abundance of caution, we are offering a complimentary membership in Experian® IdentityWorks℠ Credit 3B to anyone whose information may have been involved in the incident. This product helps detect possible misuse of your personal information and provides you with identity protection services focused on immediate identification and resolution of identity theft. IdentityWorks Credit 3B is completely free to you and enrolling in this program will not hurt your credit score. In order to enroll in IdentityWorks℠, please contact Experian’s customer care team at 800-913-7048 or visit WWW.EXPERIANIDWORKS.COM/3BCREDIT and provide engagement number B090237 and enrollment code XCY2SWXCZ2. The deadline to enroll has been extended to August 1, 2023. 

You may also call the toll-free number of any of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report and/or order your free credit report:  

  • Equifax, PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374, www.equifax.com, 1-888-378-4329  
  • Experian, PO Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013, www.experian.com, 1-888-397-3742  
  • TransUnion, PO Box 1000, Chester, PA 19016, www.transunion.com, 1-800-916-8800 

Additional resources regarding identity theft protection may be found at the FTC identity theft website, IdentityTheft.gov, which includes information regarding identity theft recovery steps and how to file an identity theft complaint if you discover your information has been compromised.

To help prevent something like this from happening in the future, we are taking steps to enhance our existing network security including implementing multiple layers of protective measures and enhancing staff training related to handling of sensitive data. 

For more information regarding this incident, as well as some additional steps you can take in response, please call (866) 347-9967 Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.   

We take seriously the security and privacy of the personal information entrusted to us and regret the inconvenience or concern this incident may cause you. We will continue to work hard every day to earn the trust of every member of the Shoreline community.