HACKED: Personal information lost in cyber attack affecting Calgary school

Schools across Canada and the U.S., including Calgary's Connect Charter School, have been impacted by a hacking incident — leading to a significant data breach.

The incident involved PowerSchool, an online student information system that both students and parents can use to look up grades, notifications, fees, and attendance.

"This came to our attention late yesterday from PowerSchool and we were provided with more information about the breach this afternoon," said Chris Gilmour, superintendent of Connect Charter School in a letter obtained by the Western Standard.

A significant number of school districts across North America were impacted by the incident, said Gilmour, although officials are waiting for details from PowerSchool about the extent of the data breach.

"We believe all personal identifiable information provided by families to the school was potentially compromised," said Gilmour.

"PowerSchool has worked with authorities and has relative assurance that the breach has been contained."

Gilmour added, "credit card and financial information is not stored in our student information system where the breach occurred. Connect Charter School is working with PowerSchool and will keep our families informed."