D.C. Public Schools says student information such as their addresses could have been exposed due to a data breach, according to school officials.
Yiesha Thompson of DCPS sent a letter out to families on Wednesday saying that an unauthorized third party potentially got access to information stored within a web-based application used for the DCPS Summer Learning registration.
“Upon learning of this incident, we immediately engaged the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) to support a thorough investigation, removed student data from the affected application, and notified law enforcement,” the letter read.
Based on the investigation, the following information might have been exposed:
- Name
- Student identification number
- Date of birth
- School and grade level
- Parent or guardian name
- Home address
- Phone number
“We are also evaluating additional safeguards for student information to reduce the risk of future incidents,” the letter read.
At this time, officials say they aren’t aware of any misuse of potential leaked information.
In the meantime, officials say that parents should look out for unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, or other communications requesting personal information.
“We understand that data security incidents are concerning and sincerely regret that this occurred,” the letter read. “We remain focused on strengthening safeguards to protect student and family information.”
DCPS is conducting a review of systems and processes associated with the data breach.
