A cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school software provider, has affected clients in Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world, including the Northwest Territories.
On January 15, 2025, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) for the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) confirmed unauthorized access to PowerSchool's cloud environment that led to the theft of records from the Beaufort Delta Division Education Council, Dehcho Divisional Education Council, South Slave Divisional Education Council, Yellowknife Catholic Schools, and Yellowknife Education District No. 1. The breach was not within the GNWT’s network.
The breach impacts information stored within the software, including personal identifiable information such as names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for students, parent/guardians, and teachers, as well as student medical information.
PowerSchool’s investigation determined that an unauthorized party gained access to customer data using a compromised credential. As soon as PowerSchool learned of the incident, they immediately engaged their cybersecurity response protocols. PowerSchool has implemented enhanced security measures and confirmed that the breach has been contained.
The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is leading an analysis and investigation within the NWT. Staff and students within the impacted education bodies will receive information directly from their education body as well as updates as more information becomes available.
If you have questions, please contact 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