Penn Admissions Company CyberSecurity Posture

admissions.upenn.edu
ISOSOC2 Type 1SOC2 Type 2PCI DSSHIPAAGDPR

First things first: We’re the University of Pennsylvania (aka Penn), an Ivy League research university founded by Ben Franklin in the heart of Philadelphia. Did that sound stuffy? It felt stuffy. Here’s what we’re really about: Penn is a place for people who want to do something big. But it’s also for people for who want to try a bunch of little things first. It’s a place for sparking revolutionary ideas. For pioneering thinkers. And it’s a place that will help you figure out what inspires and excites you. Where you won’t just gain knowledge, you’ll make it. You’ll research solutions, invent ideas, engineer art – all in a culture that’s not about perfection, but about perfecting the pursuit. The people who love it here? People who are drawn to other people and who are curious about everything. This is the time to figure things out. Try everything that seems worthwhile. You’ll find what truly is. Sound like the place for you? Then we can’t wait to meet you.

Penn Admissions A.I CyberSecurity Scoring

Penn Admissions

Company Details

Linkedin ID:

penn-admissions

Website:

admissions.upenn.edu

Employees number:

8

Number of followers:

2,230

NAICS:

6113

Industry Type:

Higher Education

Homepage:

admissions.upenn.edu

IP Addresses:

Scan still pending

Company ID:

PEN_2482962

Scan Status:

In-progress

AI scorePenn Admissions Risk Score (AI oriented)

Between 0 and 549

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Penn Admissions Higher Education
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globalscorePenn Admissions Global Score (TPRM)

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Penn Admissions Higher Education
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Penn Admissions

Critical
Current Score
419
C (Critical)
01000
5 incidents
-70.5 avg impact

Incident timeline with MITRE ATT&CK tactics, techniques, and mitigations.

DECEMBER 2025
420
NOVEMBER 2025
513
Breach
05 Nov 2025 • University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania Data Breach

The University of Pennsylvania confirmed a **massive data breach** on **November 5**, exposing **over 1.2 million records** of students, alumni, staff, and community affiliates. The breach originated from a **social engineering scam**, where attackers compromised systems linked to the university’s **development and alumni activities**. Stolen data includes **personally identifiable information (PII)**, some dating back decades, along with **banking details**, though no medical records were affected. Fraudulent emails were sent to members of the Penn community, impersonating the **Graduate School of Education (GSE)**, before the university locked down affected systems. The lack of **multifactor authentication (MFA)** on certain accounts was identified as a key vulnerability, enabling unauthorized access and data theft. The incident underscores the risks of **phishing attacks** and inadequate access controls in educational institutions, leading to **large-scale exposure of sensitive personal and financial data** with potential long-term repercussions for identity theft and fraud.

413
critical -100
PEN3732337111225
Incident Details -
Type
Data Breach
Attack Vector
Social Engineering, Phishing Emails
Vulnerability Exploited
Lack of Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Motivation
Data Theft, Fraud
Impact
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Banking Details Development and Alumni Activity Systems Operational Impact: Fraudulent emails sent, systems locked down post-breach Brand Reputation Impact: High (trust erosion among students, alumni, and affiliates) Identity Theft Risk: High Payment Information Risk: High
Response
Locked down affected systems Communication Strategy: Public disclosure, email notifications to affected parties
Data Breach
PII Banking Details Number Of Records Exposed: 1.2 million Sensitivity Of Data: High (includes decades-old PII and financial data)
Lessons Learned
Enforce multifactor authentication (MFA) across all accounts and implement stricter access controls to mitigate social engineering risks.
Recommendations
Enable MFA for all user accounts Conduct regular security awareness training Monitor for unauthorized access attempts
Investigation Status
Concluded (breach confirmed, systems secured)
Customer Advisories
Emails sent to affected community members
Initial Access Broker
Entry Point: Social Engineering (phishing emails) Development and Alumni Systems
Post Incident Analysis
Lack of MFA Successful social engineering attack System lockdown Public disclosure
References
Blog URL Source URL
NOVEMBER 2025
611
Breach
31 Oct 2025 • University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
University of Pennsylvania Data Breach (2025)

On October 31, UPenn suffered a **data breach** where hackers claimed to have exfiltrated **1.2 million records**, including sensitive personal data of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (e.g., donors, former President Joe Biden), with birthdates dating back to the 1920s. The breach exploited **social engineering** via a compromised PennKey, allowing attackers to access the **Salesforce Marketing Cloud** and send a malicious email impersonating the Graduate School of Education. While the hackers’ primary motivation was **financial gain**—targeting wealthy donors—they also exposed internal criticisms of UPenn’s security practices and compliance violations (e.g., FERPA). The breach highlights vulnerabilities in UPenn’s **decentralized security infrastructure**, though the full scope of leaked data (e.g., Social Security numbers, financial records) remains unconfirmed pending investigation. The attack underscores risks to **reputation, financial fraud, and regulatory non-compliance**, with potential long-term consequences for trust in the institution.

512
critical -99
PEN3792837111425
Incident Details -
Type
Data Breach Social Engineering Unauthorized Access
Attack Vector
Social Engineering Impersonation (PennKey) Exfiltration via Salesforce Marketing Cloud
Vulnerability Exploited
Poor Cybersecurity Practices Decentralized Security Coordination Lack of Multi-Factor Authentication (implied)
Motivation
Financial Gain Targeting Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (e.g., donors)
Impact
Personal Data (birthdates, names, etc.) Donor Information Potential FERPA Violations (student records) Salesforce Marketing Cloud UPenn Email System (spoofed Graduate School of Education account) Ongoing Investigation Reputation Damage Potential Legal Liabilities (FERPA violations) Derogatory Email Sent to Students Negative Publicity Criticism of Security Practices Political Backlash (alleged DEI/affirmative action targeting) Potential FERPA Violations Regulatory Scrutiny High (1.2M records allegedly exposed, including SSNs in prior incidents)
Response
Incident Response Plan Activated: Yes (ongoing investigation) Investigation into Salesforce Marketing Cloud Access Email Spoofing Mitigation Email Notification to Affected Parties (pending confirmation) Public Statements via Media Likely (implied by ongoing investigation)
Data Breach
Personal Identifiable Information (PII) Donor Records Student Records (potential FERPA violations) Historical Data (birthdates from 1920s) Number Of Records Exposed: 1.2 million (alleged; unconfirmed by UPenn) Sensitivity Of Data: High (includes ultra-high-net-worth individuals, former President Joe Biden) Data Exfiltration: Confirmed (via Salesforce Marketing Cloud) Database Records Email Lists Names Birthdates Donor Details Potential SSNs (based on prior Columbia University incident)
Regulatory Compliance
Potential FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Violations Likely pending (FERPA, state data breach laws)
Lessons Learned
Decentralized security structures increase vulnerability. Social engineering remains a critical attack vector, especially in higher education. Balancing security measures with user convenience is challenging but necessary. Proactive ethical hacking (e.g., bug bounty programs) can identify vulnerabilities before exploitation.
Recommendations
Implement stricter multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all systems, especially cloud platforms like Salesforce. Centralize cybersecurity governance to improve coordination. Enhance employee and student training on phishing/social engineering (e.g., UPenn's DUST program). Conduct regular third-party security audits. Monitor dark web for leaked credentials or data sales.
Investigation Status
Ongoing (UPenn unable to confirm scope or full details)
Customer Advisories
General warning about phishing emails; specific advisories expected post-investigation
Stakeholder Advisories
UPenn students notified via email (spoofed initially, legitimate advisories pending)
Initial Access Broker
Entry Point: PennKey (compromised credentials via social engineering) Persistent access to Salesforce Marketing Cloud (implied by valid session during email spoofing) Ultra-high-net-worth donors Former President Joe Biden Historical records (1920s data) Claimed by hackers (financial motivation); no confirmation of sale
Post Incident Analysis
Poor cybersecurity hygiene (e.g., lack of MFA, decentralized IT) Successful social engineering (PennKey compromise) Inadequate monitoring of cloud platforms (Salesforce Marketing Cloud) Political/cultural tensions exploited (e.g., derogatory email content) UPenn likely to overhaul identity management (e.g., PennKey protections). Drexel reviewing security controls to prevent similar incidents. Increased emphasis on critical thinking training for phishing (e.g., Drexel's DUST program).
References
Blog URL Source URL
OCTOBER 2025
672
Breach
01 Oct 2025 • University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
Cybersecurity Breach at University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Involving Stolen Credentials and Social Engineering

In October 2025, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) suffered a cybersecurity breach where hackers gained unauthorized access to systems supporting development and alumni activities. The attackers used stolen credentials obtained through **social engineering (phishing/identity impersonation)**, compromising thousands of pages of internal files. The exposed data included sensitive information about **donors, alumni, and students**, though the article does not specify whether financial records (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) or highly sensitive personal identifiers (e.g., National Insurance numbers) were stolen.The breach triggered **multiple class-action lawsuits**, with plaintiffs alleging Penn failed to adequately protect personal data and delayed notifications to affected individuals. While the university implemented mandatory cybersecurity training for all faculty, staff, and student workers, the incident underscored systemic vulnerabilities. The breach’s fallout included potential **reputational damage**, legal repercussions, and operational disruptions (e.g., threatened loss of system access for non-compliant employees). No evidence suggests the attack involved ransomware, direct financial fraud, or physical harm, but the leak of internal files poses long-term risks to trust and institutional integrity.

609
high -63
PEN4562145112125
Incident Details -
Type
Data Breach Unauthorized Access Social Engineering
Attack Vector
Stolen Credentials Social Engineering (Identity Impersonation) Phishing (suspicious phone calls/emails)
Vulnerability Exploited
Human vulnerability to social engineering (phishing/impersonation)
Impact
Internal University files Donor data Alumni data Student data Systems supporting Penn’s development and alumni activities Mandatory cybersecurity training for all faculty/staff Potential loss of system access for non-compliant employees Class-action lawsuits Negative publicity Loss of trust due to delayed notification and insufficient protection claims Multiple class-action lawsuits filed Allegations of failure to protect sensitive personal information and untimely notification High (due to exposed personal data of donors, alumni, and students)
Response
Mandatory cybersecurity training ('Information Security at Penn: A Practical Guide') for all faculty, staff, and student workers by Dec. 31, 2025 Training modules include practical skills to recognize and prevent cybersecurity threats (e.g., phishing, suspicious calls) Advisories on preventative measures (e.g., monitoring credit reports, fraud alerts, vigilance against personal information requests) Email notification signed by Provost John Jackson Jr., Executive VP Mark Dingfield, and Interim CIO Josh Beeman on Nov. 20, 2025 Public webpage advisories on protective measures Media statement to *The Daily Pennsylvanian* by Interim CIO Josh Beeman
Data Breach
Internal University files Donor records Alumni records Student records Number Of Records Exposed: Thousands of pages Sensitivity Of Data: High (includes personally identifiable information of donors, alumni, and students)
Regulatory Compliance
Multiple class-action lawsuits filed (petitioned for consolidation on Nov. 17, 2025) Plaintiffs allege failure to protect sensitive data and untimely notification
Lessons Learned
Importance of vigilance against social engineering attacks (e.g., phishing, impersonation) Need for timely notification of affected individuals in data breaches Critical role of mandatory cybersecurity training in mitigating human vulnerabilities
Recommendations
Enhance multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all systems Implement continuous phishing simulation exercises for employees Strengthen monitoring for suspicious login attempts using stolen credentials Establish clearer protocols for timely breach disclosure and stakeholder communication
Investigation Status
Ongoing (as of Nov. 2025, with lawsuits pending)
Customer Advisories
Donors, alumni, and students advised to monitor credit reports and place fraud alerts Community warned about suspicious requests for personal information
Stakeholder Advisories
Mandatory training deadline (Dec. 31, 2025) with potential system access revocation for non-compliance Advisories on credit monitoring, fraud alerts, and vigilance against identity theft
Initial Access Broker
Entry Point: Stolen credentials via social engineering (identity impersonation) Development and alumni systems Donor/alumni/student data
Post Incident Analysis
Successful social engineering attack leading to credential theft Inadequate protection of sensitive personal data Delayed notification to affected individuals Mandatory cybersecurity training for all employees Public advisories on protective measures (e.g., credit monitoring) Legal defense against class-action lawsuits
References
Blog URL Source URL
SEPTEMBER 2025
672
AUGUST 2025
670
JULY 2025
668
JUNE 2025
666
MAY 2025
683
Cyber Attack
01 May 2025 • University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
University of Pennsylvania Data Breach and Suspicious Emails Incident

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) experienced a data breach where hackers gained unauthorized access to its systems using stolen credentials, specifically targeting systems related to development and alumni activities. The breach resulted in inflammatory emails being sent to students, alumni, and faculty, raising concerns about the exposure of personal information. While the full extent of the compromised data remains under investigation, the incident has already led to a class-action lawsuit filed by a Penn graduate, alleging the university’s failure to adequately safeguard sensitive information. The breach has caused reputational damage and potential financial risks, as affected individuals may face fraud or identity theft. The university is actively working to assess the impact and mitigate further harm.

663
high -20
PEN2992729110625
Incident Details -
Type
data breach unauthorized access phishing/suspicious emails
Attack Vector
stolen credentials email compromise
Impact
development systems alumni activity systems class-action lawsuit filed
Data Breach
personal information
Regulatory Compliance
class-action lawsuit filed
Investigation Status
['ongoing (school is still determining what information was taken)']
Initial Access Broker
stolen credentials development and alumni activity systems
References
Blog URL Source URL
APRIL 2025
683
MARCH 2025
682
FEBRUARY 2025
680
JANUARY 2025
679
OCTOBER 2023
767
Breach
01 Oct 2023 • University of Pennsylvania
Cybersecurity Breach at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania experienced a **cybersecurity breach** in late October 2023, where an anonymous hacker exploited **sophisticated social engineering (identity impersonation)** to gain unauthorized access to critical systems. The attacker compromised **Penn’s CRM (Salesforce), file repositories (SharePoint, Box), a reporting tool (QlikView), and Marketing Cloud**, exfiltrating sensitive data. Initially, the hacker claimed to have stolen records of **1.2 million students, alumni, and donors**, including **personal information, donor memos, bank transaction receipts, and details of high-profile individuals like former President Joe Biden’s family**. While Penn disputed the 1.2 million figure, forensic investigations remain ongoing, and the university confirmed **no evidence of fraudulent use of the data yet**.The breach triggered **multiple class-action lawsuits** alleging negligence in securing personal data. The attacker also sent **fraudulent emails** criticizing Penn’s hiring practices and urging recipients to halt donations. Penn contained the breach, reported it to the **FBI**, and warned the community about potential **phishing follow-ups**. The incident exposed systemic vulnerabilities, with **no medical records (Penn Medicine) compromised**, but the leaked data’s scope—including financial and personal details—poses **long-term reputational, legal, and operational risks** for the institution.

653
critical -114
PEN3202032111825
Incident Details -
Type
Data Breach Social Engineering Attack Unauthorized Access
Attack Vector
Sophisticated identity impersonation (social engineering)
Vulnerability Exploited
Human error (deception of individuals into disclosing confidential information)
Motivation
Financial gain (planned data sale) Activism (criticism of Penn’s hiring practices and donation policies)
Impact
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) - Salesforce File repositories - SharePoint File repositories - Box Reporting application - Qlikview Marketing Cloud Operational Impact: Ongoing forensic investigation; delayed notification to affected individuals Customer Complaints: Multiple class-action lawsuits filed (14+ in federal/state courts) Brand Reputation Impact: Significant (public dispute over breach scale, lawsuits, criticism of security practices) Legal Liabilities: 14+ proposed class-action lawsuits (alleging failure to secure personal information) Identity Theft Risk: Potential (Penn advised credit monitoring and fraud alerts) Payment Information Risk: Yes (bank transaction receipts accessed)
Response
Containment Measures: Breach contained (as stated by Penn) Recovery Measures: Ongoing forensic investigation; planned notifications to affected individuals Public information page with updates Warnings about phishing/suspicious emails Advisories to review credit reports and activate fraud alerts
Data Breach
Personal information (students, alumni, donors) Donor memos and family details Bank transaction receipts Information about former President Joe Biden’s granddaughter Number Of Records Exposed: Undetermined (hacker claimed 1.2 million; Penn disputes this) Sensitivity Of Data: High (includes financial, personal, and donor data) Documents Memos Transaction receipts
Regulatory Compliance
Legal Actions: 14+ proposed class-action lawsuits (federal/state courts) Regulatory Notifications: FBI notified
Recommendations
Enhance social engineering defenses (e.g., employee training, multi-factor authentication) Improve incident response timelines for forensic investigations Proactive communication with stakeholders during breaches Regular audits of third-party systems (e.g., Salesforce, SharePoint, Box)
Investigation Status
Ongoing (forensic analysis incomplete; no timeline provided)
Customer Advisories
Individuals to be notified once analysis is complete
Stakeholder Advisories
Warnings about phishing/suspicious emails Advisories to review credit reports and activate fraud alerts
Initial Access Broker
Entry Point: Social engineering (identity impersonation) Donor data Financial records Personal information of high-profile individuals (e.g., Joe Biden’s granddaughter) Data Sold On Dark Web: Planned (hacker claimed intent to sell data before public release)
Post Incident Analysis
Root Causes: Successful social engineering attack exploiting human error
References
Blog URL Source URL

Frequently Asked Questions

According to Rankiteo, the current A.I.-based Cyber Score for Penn Admissions is 419, which corresponds to a Critical rating.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for November 2025 was 512.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for October 2025 was 608.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for September 2025 was 672.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for August 2025 was 670.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for July 2025 was 668.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for June 2025 was 666.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for May 2025 was 663.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for April 2025 was 683.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for March 2025 was 682.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for February 2025 was 680.

According to Rankiteo, the A.I. Rankiteo Cyber Score for January 2025 was 679.

Over the past 12 months, the average per-incident point impact on Penn Admissions’s A.I Rankiteo Cyber Score has been -70.5 points.

You can access Penn Admissions’s cyber incident details on Rankiteo by visiting the following link: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/penn-admissions.

You can find the summary of the A.I Rankiteo Risk Scoring methodology on Rankiteo by visiting the following link: Rankiteo Algorithm.

You can view Penn Admissions’s profile page on Rankiteo by visiting the following link: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/penn-admissions.

With scores of 18.5/20 from OpenAI ChatGPT, 20/20 from Mistral AI, and 17/20 from Claude AI, the A.I. Rankiteo Risk Scoring methodology is validated as a market leader.