In the shadowy corners of cyberspace, a chilling breach unfolded over the holidays, sending shockwaves through Canada's educational institutions. Between December 22 and 28, 2024, the U.S.-based PowerSchool platform—used by school boards across the country—was compromised, exposing sensitive student data. The Toronto District School Board confirmed that personal information such as addresses, health card numbers, emergency contacts, and medical details dating back to 1985 were among the stolen records. Brandon Sun+5CityNews Halifax+5CityNews Ottawa+5CityNews Toronto+4Brandon Sun+4Newmarket Today+4
The federal privacy commissioner, Philippe Dufresne, has launched a formal investigation into the breach, expressing deep concern over the potential misuse of children's personal information. In response, PowerSchool has begun notifying affected individuals and offering credit monitoring and identity protection services. Newmarket Today+4CityNews Ottawa+4CityNews Montreal+4CityNews Halifax+4CityNews Toronto+4CityNews Montreal+4
This incident is part of a broader surge in cyberattacks across Canada. According to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, 2023-2024 saw 693 reported breaches affecting approximately 25 million Canadian accounts, a significant increase from the previous year. Ransomware attacks, in particular, have become more frequent and sophisticated, with cybercriminals leveraging AI to enhance their capabilities. CityNews Toronto+1CityNews Montreal+1Privacy Commissioner of CanadaIndustrial Cyber
The breach has left many Canadians questioning the security of their personal information and the effectiveness of current protective measures. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure and the pressing need for robust cybersecurity practices.CityNews Montreal+2Brandon Sun+2Kroll+2
