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    Updated 13 days ago

    Columbia University Data Breach

    Key takeaways

    • Reports suggest a potential breach involving Columbia University.
    • Discovered on August 14, 2026.
    • Possible data exposed: SSN.
    • Affects individuals in: New York.
    • Confirmation level: Based on reports.

    Detailed summary

    Ransomware.live listed Columbia University Information (Dental) as a ransomware victim on 2026-08-14 and tied the entry to the Global Secret Group. The source record shows an attack date of 2026-08-14 and identifies the website as columbia.edu, but there is no official confirmation in the materials provided.

    The available record does not confirm what data was exposed beyond a 296 GB set of files and folders. No entity-level affected count, notice date, regulator filing, or consumer notification was provided in the source materials, and no specific SSN, medical, or financial data exposure was confirmed.

    This account is based on a ransomware tracking entry, so details may change if Columbia University, regulators, or court filings release more information later.

    Data possibly involved

    • SSN
      Can be used to open fraudulent accounts and file false tax returns

    Company Response Timeline

    Breach Occurred

    Aug 14, 2026

    Company Discovered

    Aug 14, 2026

    Regulator Notified

    Unknown

    Consumers Notified

    Unknown

    0 days to discover

    Breach Verification Status

    Reports Only

    Current

    Initial dark web reports of potential breach

    Company Confirmed

    Company has acknowledged the breach

    Regulator Confirmed

    Confirmed by regulatory authorities

    Note: Breach verification can take time. Information may evolve as more details become available from companies and regulators.

    Case Status:
    Monitoring

    We're monitoring this situation for developments.

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