In late December 2024, PowerSchool — the student information software used by many Alberta school divisions — discovered unauthorized access to its systems through its PowerSource support portal. The breach occurred due to a compromised credential, allowing an attacker to access sensitive student and staff data.

Alberta information and privacy commissioner Diane McLeod said her office’s investigations with Ontario’s counterpart show just how significant the risks were for both students and adults affected. She emphasized that protecting privacy doesn’t happen automatically.

“It is essential to remember that privacy does not happen on its own. It requires a concerted effort by public bodies to create and implement policies and procedures that ensure privacy is protected,” McLeod said in

See Full Page