Did Columbia University have a data breach?
Answer
Yes. Columbia University reported a data breach to the South Carolina Attorney General on August 7, 2025.
What the filing says
- Reported to
- South Carolina Attorney General
- Filing date
- August 7, 2025
- Breach date
- Not stated in the filing
- People affected
- Not stated in the filing
In plain terms
Columbia University is an educational institution that manages sensitive records for students, faculty, and staff. As part of its operations, the university collects and maintains extensive personal data, including academic transcripts, financial aid records, government identification numbers, and contact details. In 2025, the university officially reported a data security incident to the South Carolina Attorney General, indicating that unauthorized parties may have accessed its systems. If you have received a formal data breach notification letter, it confirms that your personal information was potentially compromised during this event. This notice is intended to inform you of the incident and provide guidance on the protective steps you should take to secure your identity and financial accounts moving forward.
Other filings by Columbia University
Companies often file the same breach in several states. Each filing is listed separately.
- Columbia UniversityYes — reportedTexas · May 20, 2026
- Columbia UniversityYes — reportedTX · May 20, 2026
- Columbia UniversityYes — reportedNH · August 12, 2025
- Columbia UniversityYes — reportedOR · August 7, 2025
- Columbia UniversityYes — reportedCA · August 7, 2025
- Columbia UniversityYes — reportedSC · August 7, 2025
Commonly recommended next steps
Stay alert to targeted scams
Be cautious of calls, texts, or emails that reference this breach. Legitimate organizations won't ask you to confirm sensitive details through an unsolicited message.
Keep your notification letter
Save the notice you received. It documents that your information was involved and is often needed to enroll in any credit monitoring offered or to join a related legal claim.
Look up another company
Other breaches reported in South Carolina
- King Ocean Services, Ltd.Yes — reportedSouth Carolina · July 13, 2026
- Yellow CorporationYes — reportedSouth Carolina · June 26, 2026
- AssuranceAmerica Managing General Agency, LLCYes — reportedSouth Carolina · June 18, 2026
- McLeod Physician Associates IIYes — reportedSouth Carolina · June 5, 2026
- MasTecYes — reportedSouth Carolina · June 5, 2026
- RXNTYes — reportedSouth Carolina · May 29, 2026
- ERMI, LLCYes — reportedSouth Carolina · May 29, 2026
- Manager on Call, LLCYes — reportedSouth Carolina · May 29, 2026
- Coastal Carolina Centers of Urology and Surgery, LLCYes — reportedSouth Carolina · May 27, 2026
- Pinnacle Holdings, LTDYes — reportedSouth Carolina · May 22, 2026
DataBreachSearch.com reports what was filed with state regulators. It is not legal advice, is not a law firm, and is not affiliated with any government agency or with Columbia University.