Attention
This is the official Settlement Website for the In re Columbia University Data Breach Litigation, authorized by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Settlement Overview
- A $16,125,000 settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit against Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York (“Defendant”) arising out of a data incident Defendant experienced in May 2025, by an unauthorized third party (the “Cyberattack”).
- You are part of the Settlement Class if you are an individual residing in the United States whose Private Information was compromised as a result of the Cyberattack and who were sent notice of the Cyberattack that occurred in May 2025.
- Under the terms of the Settlement, Settlement Class Members who submit timely Valid Claims may be able to recover the following benefits:
- Reimbursement for Documented Monetary Losses: With supporting documentation showing you incurred losses as a result of the Cyberattack, you may be eligible for reimbursement up to $8,500.00.
OR
- Alternative Cash Payment: You may elect to receive an Alternative Cash Payment. The amount shall be determined by distributing the remaining Settlement Fund after deduction or payment of Court-approved attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses, Service Awards, Settlement Administration Costs, Credit Monitoring costs, and approved claims for Documented Monetary Losses.
AND
- Credit Monitoring and Identity Theft Protection Services: In addition to receiving reimbursement for Documented Monetary Losses or a cash payment, you may elect to receive two (2) years of free three-bureau credit monitoring services, dark web monitoring, identity theft insurance coverage for up to $1,000,000, and fully managed identity recovery services.
- Business Practice Commitments: Although Defendant denies any wrongdoing or liability, Defendant has already and is continuously implementing additional security enhancements including defensive tools and increased monitoring. Defendant has committed to maintain its additional security measures for a period of 3 years following the effective date of this Settlement.
- Reimbursement for Documented Monetary Losses: With supporting documentation showing you incurred losses as a result of the Cyberattack, you may be eligible for reimbursement up to $8,500.00.
This notice may affect your rights. Please read it carefully.
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions, including important information about your rights and options.
Showing 3 of 27 frequently asked questions
Documents
You may review and/or download important documents below. The complete list of documents can be located on the Important Documents page on this website.
Showing 4 of 5 documents
View all 5 documents