Breach affects companies that handle UM System data

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri System confirmed Wednesday that a data breach of a file transfer system compromised information about employees, students and retirees.

The MOVEit data breach was discovered this summer and affected thousands of organizations worldwide.

Ben Canlas, interim vice president for Information Technology at the UM System, said in a news release that the breach affected vendors that work with the system's enrollment data and pension information. The UM System is working to get specifics about what data was stolen.

However, system officials say they have determined some personal data was compromised.

“This is a large-scale investigation and as such, many details, including the specific types of information and the number and identity of the individuals impacted, have not been confirmed at this time,” Canlas said. “The comprehensive process to identify this specific information is proceeding as quickly as possible.”

University vendors might contact victims about the breach, too, the release says. Pension Benefit Information, LLC, and the National Student Clearinghouse were among the companies hit in the attack. Their files included records on current and former students.

More about how the breach is affecting Pension Benefit Information, LLC, is on the company's website.

The National Student Clearinghouse is reviewing the affected files and UM System leaders say they'll get a report once that review is complete.

The UM System recommends students, workers and retirees take steps to reduce their risks such as getting credit reports, freezing credit and blocking electronic access to Social Security information by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.