DPS Responds to PowerSchool Data Breach: What South Durham Families Need to Know

Durham Public Schools is urging families and staff to stay alert following new developments in a national data breach tied to PowerSchool, the student information system used by school districts across the country- including right here in South Durham.

On Thursday, DPS shared an update it received from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), confirming that several school employees statewide – including in Durham – received messages from cybercriminals claiming to possess sensitive data exposed in the January breach. Similar messages have been reported in school districts as far away as Canada.

According to NCDPI, the threat actors appear to have access to the same data tables compromised earlier this year. That information includes names, contact details, Social Security numbers (in some cases), birthdates, medical notes, passwords (limited), and parent or guardian information. DPS emphasized that there was nothing school staff or families could have done to prevent the breach – PowerSchool, the company responsible for managing the data, has accepted full responsibility.

Law enforcement agencies are now involved, and the state is continuing to investigate. In the meantime, district leaders are urging families to be vigilant.

DPS Recommends

Avoid suspicious emails or messages, especially those referencing student or teacher data.
Do not engage with anyone claiming to have access to this data.
Take advantage of free support services: PowerSchool is offering two years of identity protection and credit monitoring to all affected individuals, free of charge. This offer is available through July 1, though state officials are working to extend the deadline.

These services are available regardless of whether a Social Security number was compromised. Adults can also freeze their credit for free through the North Carolina Department of Justice.

Durham Public Schools says it will continue to communicate transparently and share updates as they become available.

Spread the word by sharing this Southpoint Access newsletter with friends and neighbors. Got a tip for your neighborhood news guy? Send email to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news. Call 919-695-9813, ext. 800.