How a data breach affecting school boards across Canada could impact you
en
January 27, 2025
TLDR: Canadian school boards suffer data breach from PowerSchool, third-party provider of student information; discussion on implications with tech analyst Carmi Levy.

In a recent episode of the podcast, significant attention was given to a data breach affecting school boards across Canada, linked to PowerSchool, a third-party provider managing student information. Tech analyst Carmi Levy joined host Andrew Carter to delve into the implications of this breach and how it affects students and parents alike.
Key Highlights of the Episode
Nature of the Breach
- Scope of Data Involved: The breach potentially affects student data dating back to 1965, encompassing a wealth of personal information. This includes:
- Birthdates and home addresses
- Academic performance records
- Parental information, potentially even historical data about parents if they attended the same schools
- Data Vulnerability: Carmi emphasized that such childhood data transitions easily into the dark web, where it can be sold and used by cybercriminals to craft sophisticated phishing scams targeting individuals.
The Dangers of Compromised Data
- Individuals often underestimate the value of personal information stored by schools. When in the hands of criminals, this data can lead to:
- Customized phishing attempts that appear legitimate due to the body of information available about the individual.
- Increased likelihood of falling for scams, as these targeted messages seem credible.
Protecting Yourself and Your Child's Identity
Carmi discussed various practical steps parents can take to mitigate risk in light of this breach:
Adopt Strong Password Practices:
- Using a password manager like OnePassword or Dashlane can help create and store unique, complex passwords, reducing reliance on easily guessable ones.
- Avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites to prevent a domino effect in case of a breach.
Be Cynical About Incoming Messages:
- Always verify the source of communications asking for personal information. Avoid responding directly to unexpected messages. Instead, visit the official website or contact the institution directly.
- Approach all online correspondence with skepticism, especially if it asks for sensitive data.
Emphasizing Personal Control in Cybersecurity
Carmi Levy highlighted the importance of taking proactive measures, acknowledging that while we may not be able to prevent data breaches from occurring, we can control our responses:
- Awareness and vigilance are critical in reducing the risk of falling for scams.
- Understanding the potential footprints left by multiple data sources empowers individuals to take mitigating actions.
Implications for Parents and Students
The conversation between Andrew and Carmi revealed several critical points for parents who might feel vulnerable in the face of such breaches:
Shared Services Context: Many school boards rely on shared services providers like PowerSchool. While these platforms streamline operations for schools, they do pose a risk when it comes to data security.
- With over 60 million students using this software globally, data security becomes a shared concern as it impacts not just individual schools but wider educational infrastructures.
Taking Action Post-Breach: Parents should recognize the increased risks and adjust their online behavior accordingly to protect their family's personal information. This emphasizes a shift to a more proactive stance in cybersecurity, even if the breach is outside their immediate control.
Conclusion
The data breach involving school boards in Canada serves as a crucial reminder of the vulnerabilities in the digital landscape we navigate daily, especially regarding sensitive information. By adopting proactive cybersecurity measures and maintaining an awareness of potential risks, individuals and families can significantly reduce their likelihood of falling victim to the cascading effects of such cybersecurity incidents. As Carmi Levy aptly put it, while we might not have the power to stop these breaches, we can certainly prepare ourselves to respond to them effectively.
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