IT Security Announcements

To stay vigilant, remain informed about cybersecurity alerts, and ensure the protection of your information in today's digital landscape.

Recent Alerts 

MOVEit Transfer Security Incident

Widener University is aware of an ongoing cybersecurity incident involving a vulnerability within a third-party software tool known as MOVEit Transfer, developed by Progress Software.

It's important to note that Widener does not utilize the MOVEit data transfer product for its own systems, thus our university systems remain unaffected by this occurrence. However, the incident has had an impact on two external vendors that handle data related to individuals within the Widener University community:

  • The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) 
  • United Healthcare

Each third-party service provider has informed us that data concerning Widener University students, faculty, and/or staff might have been affected due to the MOVEit incident. Widener is working with the vendors to determine which Widener employees and students were affected. Learn more below about how you will be notified if affected:

TIAA, a financial institution specializing in investment and insurance services for professionals within nonprofit sectors such as academia, research, healthcare, government, and culture, maintains a commitment to data security. TIAA's partner, Pension Benefits Information (PBI), will personally notify you if your data faces any potential risk.

For comprehensive guidance on securing your account and staying informed, please explore the TIAA Security Center. Additionally, you can reach out directly to TIAA:

Anticipating the need for preemptive action, participants can proactively contact TIAA's National Call Center at 1-800-842-2252 prior to receiving correspondence from PBI. 

United Healthcare Insurance Company backs the student injury and sickness insurance plan crafted exclusively for Widener students. Students affected will receive direct communication from UH if their data is at risk. 

Notification will be provided to all affected individuals and will include a two year offer for LifeLock® Identity Theft Protection Services as well as providing guidance on steps that individuals can take to help protect themselves from identity theft. UH will also provide a dedicated toll-free phone number (1-866-341-4262) individuals affected can call if they would like additional information.

Have questions related to a cybersecurity incident?

Please send questions to ciso@widener.edu.

Actions You Can Take to Protect Your Personal Information

Monitor Your Financial Accounts

Review your transactions to quickly spot unauthorized activities, safeguarding your funds and personal data. Report unfamiliar transactions to your financial institution promptly for immediate threat mitigation. 
 

Check Your Credit Report

Regularly monitor your financial accounts to swiftly spot any unauthorized transactions as well as consistently check your credit report through platforms like annualcredit to promptly address any irregularities and safeguard your credit status.

Place a Credit Freeze on Your Credit Report

Enhance your security by placing a credit freeze on your credit report, limiting unauthorized access to your credit information. This step adds an extra layer of protection against potential identity theft and fraud attempts.