In December 2024, hackers breached PowerSchool, a trusted provider of software for K-12 schools, exposing highly sensitive information belonging to children, parents, and educators. This included Social Security numbers, grades, and even medical details, data that should have been rigorously protected.
PowerSchool admitted that the attack leveraged stolen credentials to infiltrate its systems. While the breach was contained, the implications are far-reaching, leaving educators, parents, and IT providers grappling with a critical question: How can we better protect the most vulnerable among us?
What Happened: A Breakdown
Hackers exploited a single compromised credential to access PowerSchool’s customer portal. The stolen data included:
- Students’ Personal Information: Social Security numbers, grades, and medical records.
- Parents’ and Guardians’ Contact Details: Names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
- Educator and Staff Data: Including unspecified personally identifiable information.
Though this was not a ransomware attack, PowerSchool worked with cybersecurity specialists to negotiate with the attackers and prevent the data from being shared or sold.
The Fallout: Student Victims
This breach is a sobering reminder that when cybersecurity fails, it’s often the youngest and most vulnerable who pay the price. Students’ stolen Social Security numbers and medical records could fuel identity theft and fraud for years to come, potentially disrupting their lives well into adulthood.
For schools and the managed service providers (MSPs) that support them, the lesson is clear: safeguarding sensitive data isn’t optional, and cybersecurity must evolve as threats grow more sophisticated. Hackers have proven they can penetrate even large, well-resourced organizations like PowerSchool. This reality reinforces the need for a roadmap to tackle vulnerabilities head-on.
At Galactic Advisors, we’ve seen how small gaps, like weak credential management, can have devastating consequences. That’s why our services focus on locking down privileged accounts, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing the safeguards necessary to protect those who rely on you.
Where Do We Go from Here?
Protecting sensitive data doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on actionable steps, schools and IT partners can make significant strides toward safeguarding critical information:
- Implement Robust Credential Management: Weak passwords are often the easiest way for hackers to break in. With Galactic’s credential hardening services, you can enforce strong password policies, conduct regular audits, and reduce vulnerabilities tied to poor credential hygiene.
- Prioritize Data Security to Build Trust: Schools and their technology providers must work together to secure sensitive information. Galactic’s cybersecurity framework equips organizations with the tools needed to protect data, reduce risks, and restore trust after a breach.
- Achieve Compliance Without the Complexity: Regulations like FERPA demand rigorous data protection, and failure to comply can lead to significant penalties. Galactic helps schools and partners create comprehensive compliance documentation, ensuring readiness for audits and safeguarding against legal exposure.
- Be Ready to Respond: Cybersecurity threats will continue to evolve, but having a clear response plan can minimize damage. Galactic offers tabletop exercises that simulate breach scenarios, enabling organizations to refine their strategies and react quickly when needed.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity is a constantly moving target, but identifying vulnerabilities and creating a clear plan of action doesn’t have to be daunting. The PowerSchool breach serves as a reminder that even the best-intentioned security measures can fail without regular updates and vigilance.
At Galactic Advisors, we specialize in helping organizations build roadmaps to stronger security. With the right tools, expertise, and strategies, you can protect your clients and the children who rely on them. It’s all about turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s strengths.
Let us help you build a secure future. Contact Galactic Advisors today.