PowerSchool Data Breach and Cybersecurity
Posted on January 09, 2025
On December 28, 2024, PowerSchool, a company that provides several data management and communications products for schools, including the PowerSchool Student Information System, discovered a “potential cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to certain information.” As a result, on January 7, 2025, PowerSchool informed a number of Pennsylvania school districts that information relating to their families and educators had been subject to unauthorized access.
Pennsylvania’s Breach of Personal Information Notification Act (BPINA) places certain requirements on public schools for notifying individuals of certain breaches of data security within seven business days following determination of the breach. Depending on the type of information accessed, schools may have further notification and reporting requirements under federal law.
Knox Law is already assisting clients in assuring their compliance with state and federal laws regarding the PowerSchool incident.
Regardless of whether your district was affected by the PowerSchool security breach, incidents like this are a reminder of the importance of having clear policies and administrative procedures regarding notification in place before a security breach occurs. Such provisions are instrumental in assisting district personnel to appropriately respond, recover, and comply with legal requirements in the event of a cybersecurity incident.
If you have concerns about the PowerSchool cybersecurity breach or the adequacy of your policies and procedures regarding data storage, security, and potential breaches, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Solicitor.
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