PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident: Public Notice from Saraland City Schools

Saraland, AL, January 8, 2025 – Saraland City Schools is informing the community about a recent cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, the state-mandated education software provider that supports the district's student information system. On January 7, 2025, PowerSchool notified district officials that unauthorized access had been detected to certain customer information through its PowerSource portal. This breach was first identified by PowerSchool on December 28, 2024.

 

It is important to clarify that this was a direct, international attack on PowerSchool and not a cyberattack specifically targeting the Alabama State Department of Education or any individual Alabama school system.

 

The affected data may include sensitive personal information, such as names, addresses, dates of birth, lunch codes (for free and reduced meals), and email addresses. This breach extends to students who have received services from, are currently enrolled, or were previously enrolled in Saraland City Schools, as well as those who have graduated. Most importantly, Social Security numbers were not involved in this incident.

 

PowerSchool has assured us that the breach is contained. The compromised credentials have been deactivated, and enhanced security measures have been implemented. Additionally, PowerSchool is offering credit monitoring and identity protection services to individuals whose sensitive data was impacted. However, this service may not apply to clients in Alabama, as our state does not collect or store highly sensitive personal data, such as Social Security numbers in PowerSchool.

 

Saraland City Schools is working closely with the Alabama State Department of Education and PowerSchool to address the issue and ensure transparent communication with our families and staff. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available, with the finalized forensic report from PowerSchool expected by January 17, 2025.

 

We appreciate the community’s understanding and remain committed to providing timely updates as additional information becomes available.

 

 

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