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Massive cyberattack hits powerschool software, potentially exposing data of over 45 million US students, teachers nationwide – ET CISO
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A significant cybersecurity breach has affected PowerSchool, a widely used software platform that serves thousands of K-12 schools across the United States. The attack has left many schools grappling with the potential exposure of sensitive student and teacher data. With over 45 million users relying on the platform, the breach raises serious concerns about data security within the U.S. educational system.
PowerSchool is a cloud-based software tool widely adopted by schools for managing student information, grades, attendance, and communication with parents. The breach reportedly occurred through one of its customer support portals, where cybercriminals gained unauthorized access by exploiting compromised credentials. As of now, the exact scope of the breach is still under investigation.
Extent of the Data Exposure
According to PowerSchool, the exposed information primarily includes contact details such as names and addresses. However, some school districts may have had more sensitive data in their records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and other personally identifiable information. The company has assured users that the breach did not affect any other PowerSchool products, though the full extent of the exposure is still being assessed.
In response to the incident, PowerSchool, as quoted by the Valley News Live stated, “We have taken all appropriate steps to prevent the data involved from further unauthorized access or misuse. We are equipped to conduct a thorough notification process to all impacted individuals.” The company has vowed to continue working with authorities to determine how the breach occurred and who may be responsible.
Impact on North Dakota Schools and Beyond
The hack has already disrupted operations in several schools, particularly in North Dakota, where the West Fargo Public Schools issued a notice to parents warning that the breach may affect all districts in the state. According to a report from Valley News Live, the North Dakota Information Technology Department (NDIT) has temporarily locked down access to PowerSchool for users who are not connected to the state network. This measure was put in place to prevent further unauthorized access and safeguard the integrity of student data.
Ongoing Investigation and Response
Cybersecurity experts have already begun reviewing the breach, and both PowerSchool and local authorities are working to assess the full impact of the attack. As the investigation continues, many are calling for enhanced security measures to safeguard sensitive data in the educational sector, particularly as more schools increasingly rely on cloud-based platforms for day-to-day operations.
As quoted by Valley News Live, PowerSchool has expressed its commitment to resolving the issue, stating, “We are deeply concerned by this incident and are doing everything we can to support the affected districts and families.”
