What Company Was Breached?
PowerSchool is a widely-used Student Information System (SIS) that helps manage and store student data for K-12 schools across the United States and Canada. PowerSchool provides a cloud-based platform used by schools to track and manage academic records, grades, attendance, and other student-related information.
When Did the Breach Occur?
PowerSchool reported that attackers gained unauthorized access to its systems on January 10, 2025, which exposed sensitive information stored in its databases.
What Was Stolen?
The breach exposed a wide range of personal and academic data, including:
- Student Names and Birthdates
- Email Addresses of students, parents, and staff
- Grades, Attendance Records, and Class Schedules
- Health Information (such as immunization records or medical conditions)
- Parent/Guardian Contact Information
- Standardized Test Scores and Transcript Data
- Special Education Plans (IEPs and 504 plans)
- Emergency Contact Details
How Can This Breach Be Used Against You?
- Phishing Attacks
With access to students’ and parents’ email addresses, cybercriminals could send personalized phishing emails that appear to come from the school or district. These emails could trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. - Impersonation and Identity Theft
The stolen data, including names, birthdates, and contact details, could be used by criminals to impersonate students, parents, or school faculty. This could lead to fraudulent requests to alter academic records, request financial refunds, or gain unauthorized access to school services. Identity theft could also occur if attackers use the data to open accounts or engage in financial fraud. - Targeting Special Education Records
Students with special education needs often have highly sensitive data stored, such as IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) or 504 plans. Cybercriminals could exploit this information to make unauthorized changes to a student’s educational accommodations, or even attempt to sell or share it on the dark web.
How to Protect Yourself
If you believe your personal information was exposed in this breach, take immediate steps to secure your data:
- Talk to Your Kids About Online Safety
In the wake of the PowerSchool breach, it’s crucial to have a conversation with your children about the risks involved. Explain to them that their personal information, like grades, health records, and contact details, may be exposed. Teach them to be cautious of phishing emails that could be targeting them and emphasize that they should never share personal details, such as passwords or account information, with anyone online unless they’re sure it’s safe. Remind them to always ask you or a trusted adult before responding to any suspicious messages or emails. - Be Wary of Phishing Emails
Monitor your inbox for suspicious messages. Do not click on links or open attachments in emails that seem out of place or are from unknown senders, especially those claiming to be from your school or district. - Change Your Passwords
Immediately change passwords for any accounts that could be linked to the breached data (school-related or otherwise). Ensure that your new passwords are strong and unique, and consider using a password manager. - Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If available, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on any accounts related to your email, school portals, or financial institutions. This adds an extra layer of security. - Monitor Financial Accounts
Keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit card activity for any unauthorized charges or suspicious activity. - Consider Identity Theft Protection
You may want to enroll in identity theft protection services that can help monitor and protect your personal information.
How OptMsg Will Help You Stay Safe
In the wake of a breach like PowerSchool’s, one of the biggest risks is phishing attacks. Parents can further protect their children by setting up private, secure email accounts for them with OptMsg, a leader in email security and privacy solutions. OptMsg offers:
- Opt-In Email Filtering: Children will only receive messages from their approved senders. This ensures they won’t be exposed to phishing attacks or unwanted communications that could compromise their personal information.
- Encrypted Messaging: Any messages exchanged between children via OptMsg are fully encrypted, ensuring their communications remain private and secure. OptMsg does not use or share the content of these messages for any purpose.
- Data Stays Private: Unlike free email services, OptMsg does not sell or otherwise use your data for monetary gain
By utilizing OptMsg, you can minimize the risks of cybercrime following a breach and better protect both your personal and educational data.
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Stay informed. Stay secure.
At OptMsg, we’re committed to providing cutting-edge email security to protect you from the evolving risks of data breaches and cyber threats. Our Breach Breakdown blog series focuses on keeping you, the consumer aware of when and where you personal information may have been compromised. If you’re concerned about your email security, contact us today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your digital communications.
