A recent cyberattack on school boards in Canada raises concerns about data security. Families can take steps to protect themselves.
Toronto: Recently, school boards across Canada have been hit by a significant cyberattack. This breach involves PowerSchool, a platform used by many K-12 schools to manage student information.
As the investigation unfolds, it looks like the breach could affect student data going back decades. Some boards are saying that sensitive information from as far back as 1965 might be at risk.
Even though the situation sounds serious, experts suggest there are ways for families and schools to safeguard themselves. It’s all about being proactive.
Many school divisions in provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia use PowerSchool to handle everything from grades to personal details. The breach happened when a support account was compromised back in December.
Newfoundland’s Education Minister mentioned that student data from 1995 onward could be involved. Other boards are also revealing the types of data that may have been accessed, which includes social insurance numbers and personal details of past staff.
Commonly accessed data includes names, birthdates, and contact information. Depending on the school board, other sensitive details like medical info and disciplinary records might also be at risk.
At the Toronto District School Board, they estimate that the breach could impact data from about 1.49 million students, dating back to 1985. They’re working hard to inform families and keep everyone updated.
PowerSchool has assured the board that the information copied during the breach has been deleted and hasn’t shown up online. They’re also looking into credit monitoring options for those affected.
Cybersecurity experts warn that even basic information can be used for phishing scams. For instance, a cybercriminal could send a fake email pretending to be from the school, asking for credit card details.
So, what can parents do? First, talk to your kids about the breach and keep an eye out for suspicious emails. Changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication on school accounts is also a smart move.
Setting up credit monitoring for your kids can help protect their identities. And always verify any email offers you receive—don’t just click on links without checking.
In light of this breach, schools might rethink the kind of personal information they collect. The Toronto board has already decided to stop asking for health card numbers.
While many school boards may not have the same cybersecurity resources as other sectors, there are still steps they can take to improve their defenses. It’s all about being prepared and proactive.
Experts believe that with the right measures in place, these types of cyberattacks can be avoided. Cybercriminals often target the easiest targets, so schools need to step up their game.
