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Cybersecurity: A conversation for the whole family

posted by TrueNorth Risk Management on Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Cybersecurity: A conversation for the whole family

It's crucial to understand your organization's unique exposure to cyber risks to know how to safeguard your data.

Just days into the new year, a major computer security breach was revealed. PowerSchool, used by about one-third of US K-12 schools, notified districts that unauthorized access occurred.

In a statement published in The Register¹ PowerSchool stated, "We do not anticipate the data being shared or made public, and we believe it has been deleted without any further replication or dissemination," PowerSchool further clarified that the methods used by the attackers to access the system were shut down.

While the specific data accessed remains unclear, PowerSchool systems track various information required for enrollment and participation in activities, such as:

• Names
• Addresses
• Health and insurance information
• Social Security Numbers
• Birth certificate information
• Payment data
• Emergency contacts

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with more information being released. NBC News reported² that poor password management contributed to the attack. PowerSchool has issued a Data Breach Notification³ with further details.

Knowing that you or your children may have had data exposed, there are a few things that you can do as a family:

1. Adopt good practices at home by not reusing or sharing passwords. Several organizations offer free password managers. Most IT departments are happy to provide advice to you as well.
2. Monitor credit and fraud to ensure your financial information remains uncompromised. PowerSchool is offering two years of service to impacted adults and minors.³
3. Review your insurance coverage. Cyber coverage is available from several providers. Check if you already have cyber protection as part of your policy and understand the services or tools that can be activated.

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest cybersecurity news and expert solutions! Dan Tuuri is a member of TrueNorth’s Cyber Consulting Practice. Subscribe to our cyber newsletter and get the insights you need to keep your digital world secure.

Sources:

1. “Student, teacher info stolen from PowerSchool in cyberattack.”The Register "We do not anticipate the data being shared or made public, and we believe it has been deleted without any further replication or dissemination," 
2. “PowerSchool hack: missed basic security step resulted in data breach.” NBC News. 
3. "Notice of Data Breach For Individuals in the United States.” PowerSchool.