New Developments in PowerSchool Data Breach Cybersecurity Incident
Manitou Springs School District 14 has confirmed to be a part of data breach affecting student information through the education software PowerSchool.
On January 9, 2025, D14 officials communicated via email to parents detailing the breach.
According to the email, “PowerSchool has taken immediate action, involving cybersecurity experts and law enforcement, to address the issue.” The breach was reportedly confined to the PowerSource portal, with no other PowerSchool products affected.
Details of the Manitou Springs School Data Breach
The compromised information includes parent and student names and addresses. Cathrine Olimb, the Director of Technology for D14, emphasized the importance of protecting student information, stating,
“The protection of our students’ information is a top priority. PowerSchool has assured us they are working urgently to complete their investigation.”
District 49, which also utilizes PowerSchool, reported that it was informed of the incident only on January 9, despite the breach occurring in late December. D49 officials noted they initially lacked details but received more information shortly after the notification.
What to Do After a School Data Breach
For parents and students affected by the PowerSchool data breach, understanding what steps to take is crucial. Cybersecurity experts recommend monitoring account activity and considering identity protection services. Schools must also implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of student information.
Here are some key cybersecurity measures that Manitou Springs and District 14 schools can implement:
- Regularly update software and systems to address security vulnerabilities.
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.
- Train staff and faculty on cybersecurity best practices.
- Develop a data breach response plan.
As this situation unfolds, both Manitou Springs School District 14 and District 49 are committed to keeping their communities informed and to enhancing their cybersecurity protocols.
