In December 2024, hackers breached PowerSchool, a trusted provider of cloud-based software for K-12 schools, exposing deeply personal information about millions of children, parents, and educators. Among the data stolen were Social Security numbers, grades, medical records, and contact details, sensitive information that should never fall into the wrong hands.
While PowerSchool has assured its users that the breach has been contained, this event highlights a troubling reality: cybercriminals are targeting schools, and by extension, our children. The impact of such breaches is profound, with long-term consequences for students and their families. Protecting against these threats isn’t simple, but identifying problems and having a clear plan to address them doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
What Happened: A Look Inside
The attack exploited stolen credentials to access PowerSchool’s customer support portal, compromising data from schools across North America. Hackers targeted:
- Students’ Personal Information: Social Security numbers, academic records, and even medical details.
- Parents’ and Guardians’ Contact Information: Names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
- Teachers’ and Staff Data: Including unspecified personally identifiable information (PII).
Although this incident was not a ransomware attack, PowerSchool engaged cybersecurity experts to negotiate with the hackers and prevent further exposure of the stolen data.
The Fallout: Students Are the Real Victims
Children are among the most vulnerable victims of this breach. Hackers now have access to their Social Security numbers and other personal details, creating a foundation for long-term identity theft and fraud. Unlike adults, children may not notice the misuse of their identity until years later, when they attempt to apply for a loan or secure a job.
For parents, the breach is a painful reminder of the importance of protecting their child’s personal information. For schools, it underscores the responsibility to safeguard sensitive data and to ensure technology providers maintain robust security measures.
At Galactic Advisors, we recognize that security challenges evolve constantly, and no one can anticipate every threat. That’s why we provide customized services to help schools and their technology partners build stronger defenses, close vulnerabilities, and respond effectively when the unexpected happens.
What Can Be Done?
While the PowerSchool breach exposes vulnerabilities, it also offers an opportunity to take actionable steps toward better protection. Here’s how you can start:
- Strengthen Credential Management: Weak or stolen credentials are a common entry point for hackers. Galactic Advisors helps organizations implement stronger password protocols, conduct regular audits, and lock down systems, ensuring they remain secure even as threats evolve.
- Insist on Better Data Security: Schools and parents should demand higher standards from technology providers. Galactic’s cybersecurity solutions are designed to safeguard sensitive information and provide schools with the tools to protect student data from theft or misuse.
- Meet and Exceed Compliance Standards: Laws like FERPA mandate strict protections for student data, but compliance can be complex. Galactic simplifies the process, helping institutions meet regulatory requirements and produce the documentation needed to avoid penalties while safeguarding their communities.
- Prepare for the Unexpected: No system is entirely immune to attack. Galactic Advisors specializes in preparing schools to handle breaches with resilience, ensuring they can recover quickly while minimizing harm.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Act
The PowerSchool breach highlights how challenging cybersecurity can be, especially when children’s futures are at stake. The truth is, protecting sensitive data in an ever-changing landscape isn’t easy, but finding and fixing vulnerabilities doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have the right roadmap.
At Galactic Advisors, we provide schools and organizations with the expertise, tools, and strategies they need to stay ahead of threats and respond effectively when needed. Your children deserve nothing less than the strongest defense. Let us help you secure their futures.
Contact Galactic Advisors today to learn how we can help.