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South Dakota State University data breach

Incident readout

Company
South Dakota State University
Reported to
Maryland Attorney General
Filed
January 24, 2025
People affected
Not stated in the filing
Incident type in filing
Not stated
Our review
Investigation Open

Was this a ransomware attack?

The filing does not say ransomware was involved. We do not label an incident ransomware unless the company’s report says so. Whatever the cause, the steps to protect yourself and the legal question are the same.

What we know

South Dakota State University is a public research university that functions as an educational institution, managing sensitive records for students, faculty, and alumni. In the course of its operations, the university collects and stores a wide range of personal data, including academic transcripts, financial aid records, and government-issued identification numbers. This data breach was officially reported to the Maryland Attorney General in 2025, confirming that unauthorized access to certain institutional systems occurred. If you have received a data breach notification letter from the university, it indicates that your personal information was likely involved in this incident. We recommend reviewing the letter carefully to understand the specific scope of the exposure and to take immediate steps to protect your identity and financial security.

See every breach reported in Maryland or read what to do after a ransomware attack.

After the South Dakota State University incident: what to do and your options

What should I do after getting the South Dakota State University data breach notice?
Keep the letter and the envelope, and note the date it arrived. Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, change any passwords the notice mentions, and sign up for any free credit monitoring the letter offers. Then check whether you may have a claim.
Did South Dakota State University offer free credit monitoring?
Check your letter from South Dakota State University. If free credit or identity monitoring is offered, the enrollment code and deadline are printed in the notice itself. Signing up doesn't waive any legal rights you may have.
Can I sue South Dakota State University over the data breach?
It depends on what was exposed, the law in Maryland and your own state, and whether you've been harmed. Most people take part through a class action rather than suing alone. Keep your notification letter — it's the proof that connects you to the breach.
Do I need a South Dakota State University data breach lawyer or attorney?
Whether the company's systems were encrypted by ransomware or data was simply taken, the legal question is the same: did it protect your information the way the law requires? An attorney can review your notice for free, and these cases are usually handled on contingency.
Is there a South Dakota State University data breach class action lawsuit?
Law firms often open an investigation after a breach notice like this one, and a class action lawsuit may follow. This page doesn't confirm that a lawsuit has been filed against South Dakota State University. You usually don't have to join a class action to be included — if a settlement is reached, class members are notified and can file a claim.
Is the South Dakota State University data breach letter legit or a scam?
A notice from South Dakota State University in the mail matches the breach South Dakota State University reported to the Maryland Attorney General on January 24, 2025. Check that the company name and dates in your letter match that filing. A real notice of data security incident won't ask for your password, Social Security number or a payment — if it does, contact South Dakota State University through a phone number or website you find yourself.
How much could a South Dakota State University data breach settlement or claim be worth?
There is no set amount, and no South Dakota State University settlement is confirmed here. In past data breach settlements, payments depended on what data was exposed and on documented losses — fraud, out-of-pocket costs and time spent dealing with the breach. Keep receipts and records; they're what damages claims are built on.

Other breaches reported in Maryland

Attorney advertising. This page reflects a public regulator filing; it does not mean a lawsuit has been filed or that the company did anything unlawful. Submitting a review request does not create an attorney-client relationship.