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Securing the Future: Why Empowering Students is the Key to Protecting Privacy

Guest author: Sam Bourgeois

Make it Secure, LLC


Last week, the announcement of a significant data breach at PowerSchool once again highlighted the vulnerabilities in the education sector's digital infrastructure. This breach exposed sensitive student information, underscoring a critical issue: schools and their technology vendors have consistently failed to adequately safeguard the privacy of young people.


A Troubling Trend

The PowerSchool breach is not an isolated event. Over the past decade, data breaches in the education sector have become alarmingly common. From ransomware attacks on district networks to accidental data leaks, the consequences are severe: compromised identities, exposure to cybercriminals, and erosion of trust between schools, students, and their families.

Despite increased investments in cybersecurity, vulnerabilities persist. Many schools rely on outdated systems or lack the resources to implement robust data protection measures. Vendors, meanwhile, often prioritize functionality over security, leaving critical gaps that hackers exploit.


Why the System Alone Can't Protect Students

The truth is, even the most advanced cybersecurity systems cannot guarantee absolute protection. Breaches occur not only because of technological flaws but also due to human errors—clicking on phishing links, weak passwords, or insufficient understanding of data privacy risks.

Schools and vendors bear significant responsibility, but the reality is clear: the current model of centralized protection is failing. To truly secure the privacy and safety of students, we must shift our approach.


Empowering the Next Generation

The most effective long-term solution lies in education—empowering students with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves online. When young people understand the risks and take ownership of their digital safety, they become the first line of defense.


Here’s how we can achieve this:

  1. Integrating Digital Literacy into CurriculaSchools must teach students not only how to use technology but also how to navigate it safely. Topics like recognizing phishing attempts, managing privacy settings, and understanding data sharing agreements should be standard in every classroom.

  2. Encouraging Critical ThinkingStudents should be equipped to question the apps they use, the permissions they grant, and the potential consequences of their digital footprints. Critical thinking skills are essential in a world where deceptive practices are increasingly sophisticated.

  3. Partnering with Parents and CommunitiesDigital safety is a team effort. Schools should collaborate with families to reinforce best practices at home, creating a unified approach to online security.

  4. Supporting Student-Led InitiativesEmpowerment grows through leadership. Encourage students to take the lead in cybersecurity clubs, peer education programs, or tech advocacy groups to share knowledge and promote awareness.


A Shared Responsibility

The PowerSchool breach serves as a wake-up call: schools and vendors must do better. But true change will come only when students themselves are empowered to understand and navigate the complexities of digital privacy. Protecting the future begins with educating young people today.


The path forward is clear. Let’s equip students with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age—not as passive users but as informed, proactive guardians of their own data. Together, we can secure a safer, more private future for everyone.


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