Harvard University experienced a significant data breach involving an inadequately secured alumni affairs database. The incident, disclosed in a proposed class-action lawsuit, may have exposed the personal information of thousands of individuals—including students, faculty, alumni, donors, and other affiliated parties. The breach raises concerns about the university’s cybersecurity measures, particularly in safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorized access. While the exact scope of the compromised data remains unclear, the potential leak underscores vulnerabilities in Harvard’s systems, mirroring similar recent breaches at other Ivy League institutions like Dartmouth College, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, highlights the broader trend of targeted cyber incidents in higher education, potentially driven by politically motivated actors. The breach’s impact extends beyond immediate data exposure, risking reputational harm and eroding trust among stakeholders.