Did Southern Illinois University have a data breach?

Answer

Yes. Southern Illinois University reported a data breach to the Washington Attorney General on August 20, 2026.

What the filing says

Reported to: Washington Attorney General
Filing date: August 20, 2026
Breach date: Not stated in the filing
People affected: Not stated in the filing

Information involved

Full Name
Date of Birth
Social Security Number
Student ID Number
Financial Aid and Tuition Records
Wage and Compensation Information
Home Address and Contact Information

In plain terms

Southern Illinois University filed a data breach report in Washington on August 20, 2026, disclosing an unspecified incident. The breach exposed sensitive personal data, including names, Social Security Numbers, and financial records, creating risks for current and former students and employees.

Southern Illinois University filed a data breach report with the state of Washington on August 20, 2026. The filing indicates an unspecified security incident that compromised institutional data. The university currently lists the investigation status as monitoring.

The compromised information includes Full Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Student ID Number, Financial Aid and Tuition Records, Wage and Compensation Information, and Home Address and Contact Information. Exposure of these data types can lead to various risks, including identity theft, fraudulent account openings, or targeted phishing attempts.

Individuals who receive a breach notification should consider taking steps to protect their personal information. This includes regularly reviewing financial statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. Placing a fraud alert or security freeze on credit accounts can also help prevent misuse of personal data.

It is also advisable to create strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and enable multi-factor authentication where available. Remain vigilant against suspicious emails, text messages, or phone calls that request personal information, as these could be phishing attempts. Do not click on unfamiliar links or download attachments from unknown sources.

This information is based on public disclosures made by Southern Illinois University to regulators in Washington. DataBreachSearch.com compiles these official filings to provide a neutral and verifiable record of reported data breaches.

Commonly recommended next steps

Freeze your credit
Place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A freeze blocks new accounts from being opened in your name and can be lifted anytime.
Guard against tax fraud
File your tax return as early as possible and consider requesting an IRS Identity Protection PIN so no one can file a fraudulent return in your name.
Watch your financial accounts
Review bank and card statements for unfamiliar activity and turn on transaction alerts. Report anything you don't recognize to your bank right away.
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.

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Other breaches reported in Washington

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 Southern Illinois University.