Today, PowerSchool sent out legitimate emails about their security breach. Most of you will be receiving this email. We want to make sure that you know it is legitimate and provide valuable information.
In December of 2024, PowerSchool suffered a breach. Cape Elizabeth Schools data was involved in that breach. This post is part of our ongoing efforts to communicate and keep the community up to date. You may want to check out the PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident page provided by PowerSchool.
Overview
A quick overview of what happened. Essentially, in December of 2024, PowerSchool had a maintenance account compromised. This provided access to every PowerSchool installation worldwide. Bad actors utilized this to download four data tables (buckets of information). This information included all staff and student basic demographics. Cape Elizabeth was able to confirm that less than two dozen previous students had social security numbers compromised. Cape Elizabeth has posted several updates and sent emails to the community members.
What Is PowerSchool Doing?
PowerSchool is offering two years of complimentary identity protection services to students and educators whose information was involved. For adult students and educators whose information was involved, this offer will also include two years of complimentary credit monitoring services.
They have sent out emails, which are legitimate, to those impacted. The email is lengthy, but has some good information.
If your personal information was involved in this incident and you are interested in enrolling in credit monitoring or identity protection, please follow the steps for either Option 1 or Option 2 below:
Option 1: If the Named Individual is 18 or Over
Enrollment Instructions
• Ensure that you enroll by July 31, 2025 (Your code will not work after this date at 5:59 UTC)
• Visit the Experian IdentityWorks website to enroll: https://www.experianidworks.com/plus
• Provide your activation code: CTYU949PRK
• For over the phone assistance with enrollment or questions about the product, please contact Experian’s customer care team at 833-918-9464
• Be prepared to provide engagement number B138812
Details Regarding Your Experian Identityworks Credit Plus Membership
A credit card is not required for enrollment in Experian IdentityWorks. You can contact Experian immediately regarding any fraud issues, and have access to the following features once you enroll in Experian IdentityWorks:
• Experian credit report at signup: See what information is associated with your credit file. Daily credit reports are available for online members only.*
• Credit Monitoring: Actively monitors Experian file for indicators of fraud.
• Internet Surveillance: Technology searches the web, chat rooms & bulletin boards 24/7 to identify trading or selling of your personal information on the Dark Web.
• Identity Restoration: Identity Restoration agents are immediately available to help you address credit and non-credit related fraud.
• Experian IdentityWorks ExtendCARETM: You receive the same high-level of Identity Restoration support even after your Experian IdentityWorks membership has expired.
• $1 Million Identity Theft Insurance**: Provides coverage for certain costs and unauthorized electronic fund transfers.
Option 2: If the Named Individual is Under 18
Enrollment Instructions
• Ensure that you enroll by July 31, 2025 (Your code will not work after this date at 5:59 UTC)
• Visit the Experian IdentityWorks website to enroll: https://www.experianidworks.com/minorplus
• Provide your activation code: CEBP456TRK
• For over the phone assistance with enrollment or questions about the product, please contact Experian’s customer care team at 833-918-9464
• Be prepared to provide engagement number B138813
What Can You Do?
You are encouraged to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing account statements for suspicious activity. PowerSchool will never contact you by phone or email to request your personal or account information. The enclosed “General Information About Identity Theft Protection” provides further information about what steps you can take.
Other Important Information.
If you have any questions or concerns about this notice, please call 833-918-9464, Monday through Friday, 8:00am through 8:00pm Central Time (excluding major US holidays).