The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is sharing an update on the cyber incident involving PowerSchool that impacted student and school staff data within the territory.
PowerSchool is an information management system that has been used within the NWT since 2012.
Two weeks ago, the GNWT shared that the breach impacted data for the Beaufort Delta Division Education Council, Dehcho Divisional Education Council, South Slave Divisional Education Council, Yellowknife Catholic Schools, and Yellowknife Education District No. 1 (YK1).
Through an investigation, the GNWT has now confirmed that student and staff data from additional education bodies – the Dettah District Education Authority and the Ndilǫ District Education Authority – were also affected, as these education bodies are included within YK1’s PowerSchool account.
The breach has now been confirmed to impact approximately 35,082 individuals, including 32,734 current and historical students and 2,348 current and historical educators/staff from the Northwest Territories. Impacted individuals will be notified by PowerSchool directly.
PowerSchool has also committed to offering two years of complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services for all affected students and educators.
The GNWT is working closely with education bodies across the territory to ensure affected individuals receive timely updates and support. As we continue to verify details, new information and a list of frequently asked questions will be made available on our dedicated webpage: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/services/powerschool-cybersecurity-incident.
For further questions or assistance, please email the Department of Education, Culture and Employment at educationoperations@gov.nt.ca.
For media requests, please contact: Briony Grabke Manager, Public Affairs and Communications Education, Culture and Employment Government of the Northwest Territories Briony_grabke@gov.nt.ca 867-767-9352 ext. 71073