By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
NEWPORT, N.H. — The former student and teacher databases of the Newport School District through PowerSchool were compromised by hackers last month, with Superintendent Donna Magoon notifying the school community that sensitive information was stolen, and the school is taking the matter seriously.
According to Magoon, hackers used a compromised credential to gain access to PowerSchool’s student information system on, or about, Dec. 19. Hackers accessed and downloaded student and teacher database tables, she said. The hack was discovered by PowerSchool on Dec. 28, and they immediately hired a third-party cybersecurity advisor for assistance. However, it was not until Jan. 7 that PowerSchool notified the district, which was a major concern of Magoon’s.
“We share your deep concern about unauthorized access to confidential information about students and staff,” Magoon said. “We are further upset by PowerSchool’s unacceptable 10-day delay in notifying us about the breach. We are committed to ensuring that protecting student and educator data remains secure. We are in contact with the company, and in the interest of transparency, we will provide updates as new information becomes available.”
PowerSchool confirmed that the stolen data primarily contains contact details like names and addresses. Magoon said that data could also include social security numbers, personally identifiable information, medical information, and grades.
“PowerSchool has taken a number of measures to increase security, including mandating new passwords and instituting tighter password policies,” Magoon said. “PowerSchool also confirmed it hired CyberSteward to negotiate a ransom to the hackers to prevent public release of this information, although there was no demand to do so.”
Magoon said that the district has moved to Alma, but they still have an online presence with PowerSchool until July.
Anyone with concerns is asked to contact Technology Director Chad Howe at 603-865-9638, or by email at [email protected].
