RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Commonwealth University was impacted by an international data breach last month where alumni information was compromised.
On July 16, the university learned of a global data security incident at Blackbaud, a vendor that provides data hosting services globally for hundreds of universities and nonprofits worldwide. VCU uses Blackbaud-hosted services for development and alumni relations activities and is one of many universities and nonprofits affected.
The university said that the information compromised was primarily demographic in nature: name, address, contact information, degrees obtained at VCU, board service and philanthropic giving history.
"It is important to point out that VCU does not store any credit card information, bank account information, private health information or Social Security numbers in this database, so this information was not compromised in any way," the University said in a release. "VCU does not believe the information involved in this incident can be used for identity theft or financial fraud."
"Based on the nature of the incident, the research performed by the service provider and third-party and FBI investigators, Blackbaud has stated there is no reason to believe any data involved in the breach went beyond the cybercriminals; was or will be misused; or will be disseminated or otherwise made available publicly."
Blackbaud has hired a third-party team of experts to continue indefinite monitoring for any security breaches.
