Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina, recently made headlines after facing a significant data breach that potentially exposed sensitive personal information of students, alumni, and employees. The breach was first discovered on November 11, 2024, when the university noticed unusual activity on its network. This prompted Converse to launch a thorough investigation to assess the extent of the breach and determine if any data had been compromised.
During their investigation, Converse University confirmed that a portion of their network had been breached, allowing unauthorized individuals to access and potentially copy personal information. While the exact details of the compromised data were not fully disclosed, it is believed that the breach may have exposed names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, state identification card numbers, and financial account details including credit or debit card numbers with security codes or passwords.
The exposure of such sensitive personal information poses a serious threat as it could be used by malicious actors to commit identity theft or fraud. In response to the breach, Converse began notifying those affected around March 19, 2025, providing detailed information on the potentially exposed data and offering guidance on how individuals can protect themselves. Additionally, the university is offering complimentary credit monitoring services for 12 months to help mitigate any financial damage that may result from the breach.
Established in 1889 as a women’s college, Converse University has since become a co-ed institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and doctoral programs to nearly 2,000 students. The university is known for its athletic programs, competing in various sports as the Valkyries with both women’s, men’s, and co-ed teams.
The data breach at Converse University serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information. It highlights the ongoing threat posed by cybercriminals and the need for organizations to prioritize data protection and breach response protocols. As technology continues to advance, it is essential for institutions like Converse University to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the security of their networks and the personal information of their stakeholders.