Monmouth University, a private educational institution, experienced a cybersecurity incident in early March 2026, which was publicly disclosed on March 13, 2026, by University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy. The PEAR ransomware group claimed responsibility for the attack and stated they exfiltrated a significant amount of data from the university's systems.
Confirmed data types exposed include personal identification details, contact information, academic records (such as grades), financial information (like billing and payment details), HR files, partner/vendor data, students' confidential information, personal and health records, minors' data, and email correspondence. The university is currently investigating to identify the specific individuals affected and has not released a confirmed count of impacted students, staff, and others. The university plans to directly notify all affected parties.
As details can emerge later, and notices may be delayed, the full scope of this incident remains under investigation.