Parents are warned to monitor their children’s online safety after a significant data breach affecting students’ personal information
Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm for parents. Ivo Wiens, a cybersecurity pro, pointed out how much info attackers could potentially misuse. It’s pretty alarming when you think about it.
Last week, the St. Albert School Division sent a letter to parents about the breach. It turns out that sensitive details like names, birth dates, phone numbers, and addresses were compromised. John Zabiuk, who heads the cybersecurity program at NAIT, emphasized that kids are especially at risk online.
With this kind of information, it’s easy for someone to create a fake identity. Zabiuk warned that attackers could use stolen info to apply for loans or credit cards, now or later. He advised parents to alert their banks about the breach, so they can keep an eye out for any unusual activity.
One parent shared her worries after noticing suspicious activity on her son’s bank account right after the breach was announced. While it’s unclear if it’s connected, experts believe similar fraud attempts could happen.
Zabiuk stressed the importance of not reusing passwords and keeping them private. PowerSchool has said they acted quickly to stop further unauthorized access, but experts suggest parents remain vigilant.
It’s a good idea for parents to check their kids’ browsing history and have open conversations about online safety. Wiens added that parents should be cautious of phishing emails, especially if they seem to know personal details about their children.
While the Edmonton Public School Board confirmed they weren’t affected, the Edmonton Catholic School Division is among those impacted by this breach.
