More severe than expected data breach in San Diego school district

The San Diego unified school district recently admitted that last fall's data breach had more severe and widespread repercussions than previously reported. Dennis Monahan, executive director of the district's risk management services, said the October security incident compromised a wider range of sensitive personal data, including social security numbers, bank account information, medical data and more, both of students and current and former employees.

Additional security measures implemented after the breach

Monahan said a more thorough investigation conducted in April uncovered these details. As a result of these discoveries, the district has taken significant steps to strengthen safety measures in an effort to prevent future incidents of this type. However, the district did not immediately provide answers as to how many individuals were affected or notified, whether the investigation is still ongoing, or what specific safety measures have been implemented.

The communication helps explain the impact on student data

The disclosure of these details comes following letters the district sent to families last month, in which they referred to unauthorized access to students' names and medical information. Families were initially notified in December that a third had accessed some systems in the district on October 25. Upon noticing the intrusion, district officials promptly secured the network, launched an investigation, and alerted law enforcement.

A rise in cyber incidents threatens California schools

This data breach is just one of many that recently threatened Californian schools. Among others, a ransomware attack that caused a total shutdown of systems in the Los Angeles unified school district last year and a security incident that caused a massive blackout in the systems of the Sweetwater high school district in beginning of this year. Monahan urged those whose data may have been affected to remain vigilant and check credit reports and bank statements for unauthorized activity, advising them to contact the bank immediately in the event of unauthorized charges.