A major data breach at PowerSchool, a popular school software used across Canada, has put millions of students and teachers at risk. Hackers stole personal details like names, addresses, birthdays, grades, and even some medical and financial information. Canadian Updates explains what happened and how you can protect yourself.
What Is the PowerSchool Data Breach?
Last December, hackers broke into PowerSchool’s system, which many Canadian schools use to manage student records. They stole sensitive information from over 2.7 million students in places like Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Some reports say up to 62 million people, including teachers, could be affected across Canada and the U.S.
The hackers demanded money from PowerSchool, and the company paid them to delete the stolen data. But the hackers lied—they kept the data and are now using it to threaten schools again. In May 2025, schools like Brasileiras received new demands for money.
How Does This Affect Canadian Schools?
The stolen data includes private details like:
- Student names and addresses
- Birthdates
- Grades and medical alerts
- Teachers’ social insurance numbers
In Winnipeg, nearly 1 million files, including passports and credit card details, were leaked online. Schools like the Toronto District School Board are now facing new threats from hackers demanding more money.
What Are Schools and PowerSchool Doing?
PowerSchool is offering two years of free credit monitoring to help protect those affected. They’ve also set up a call center for questions. Canadian privacy officials are investigating, and some schools, like those in Newfoundland, plan to keep using PowerSchool because it’s a key part of their system.
How Can You Stay Safe?
If your school uses PowerSchool, here’s what you can do:
- Sign up for the free credit monitoring offered by PowerSchool.
- Watch your bank and credit card statements for unusual activity.
- Be careful about sharing personal information online.
- Contact your school to learn if your data was affected.
Why Does This Matter?
This breach shows how important it is to keep personal information safe. Schools and companies like PowerSchool need better security to protect students and teachers. Canadian Updates will keep you posted on any updates about this breach and other news affecting Canadians.
Stay informed with Canadian Updates for the latest on the PowerSchool data breach, cybersecurity tips, and more!
