In December 2024, PowerSchool, a widely used educational technology platform, experienced a significant data breach affecting school districts across the United States, including several on Long Island. This breach has raised serious concerns about data security and privacy, particularly for businesses and organizations that manage sensitive personal information. 

At least ten Long Island school districts, including Uniondale, Roosevelt, Jericho, Hicksville, Glen Cove, West Hempstead, Lynbrook, Middle Country, Massapequa, and Smithtown Central, have reported being impacted by this breach. The compromised data may include the names, addresses, Social Security numbers, medical records, and academic information of students, parents, and staff.

PowerSchool has begun notifying affected individuals and is offering two years of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. Additionally, the company is working with regulatory authorities in the U.S. and Canada to mitigate the impact of the breach.

As a business or organization that handles sensitive data—whether in education, nonprofit, or private sectors—this breach serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity. Here are some key takeaways and best practices to protect your organization:

• Strengthen Data Protection Policies – Ensure that your organization follows best practices in data security, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular audits of data access.
• Educate Your Team – Cybersecurity awareness training can help employees recognize phishing attempts, weak passwords, and other vulnerabilities that could lead to breaches.
• Review Vendor Security Protocols – If your organization uses third-party platforms to manage sensitive data, conduct regular security reviews and ensure they comply with the latest industry standards.
• Develop an Incident Response Plan – Having a clear plan in place can help minimize damage and ensure swift action in the event of a data breach.

The PowerSchool breach underscores the need for stronger data security measures at all levels—schools, businesses, and technology providers. Affected individuals should take advantage of the identity protection services offered and monitor their financial and personal records for any suspicious activity.

At Central Business Solutions, we help organizations navigate crises like these with strategic planning, risk assessment, and cybersecurity best practices. If your business needs guidance on improving data security and protecting your stakeholders, reach out to us today.

Stay informed. Stay protected.