Credit monitoring, identity protection services available for those impacted by PowerSchool cyberattack

The Newfoundland and Labrador government says security checks and protective measures are now available for people impacted by a recent cyberattack on PowerSchool, a data management software used in the province's K-12 school system.

Approximately 271,000 students and 14,400 teachers in the province had their date of birth, MCP number, and contact information stolen. Some of that data dates back to 1995. 

PowerSchool also stores transcript data for N.L. students.

In a statement on Tuesday, the province said PowerSchool has hired Experian and TransUnion for credit monitoring and identity protection services. People can visit the PowerSchool website to see whether they are eligible for the protective measures and sign up.

CBC Newfoundland Morning7:05Cyber hack in PowerSchool. We heard how teachers and students in NL had their data compromised

People in the province were given more information this week on the seriousness of a cybersecurity incident on the PowerSchool platform. PowerSchool is an online platform that allows parents, guardians and students to see their grades, get announcements, and more. Users across North America were affected by a data breach.If you're a student or a teacher — or if you were one in the past 30 years -- you'll need this info. Krista Lynn Howell is the province's minister of education.

"In the Newfoundland and Labrador K-12 education system, high school students since 1995 and teachers since 2010 may be eligible to access the complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services," reads the government's statement.

The province says Experian will send emails to impacted students and teachers, which will have more information about what additional help PowerSchool is bringing in.

There is also a toll-free call centre at 833-918-9464.

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.