Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is currently addressing a cybersecurity incident involving their former PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS). As part of their transition to Infinite Campus this school year, Cumberland County Schools moved to a new student information system. However, PowerSchool still retains access to certain legacy data.
On Dec. 28, 2024, PowerSchool became aware of a breach that began on Dec.19, 2024, due to unauthorized access caused by compromised credentials from a PowerSchool contract employee. This breach is part of a larger, global PowerSchool data breach.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) was notified of the breach on Jan. 7, 2025, and Cumberland County Schools was formally informed over the weekend. CCS was notified that the district’s data was impacted, specifically, their teacher and student data.
PowerSchool has confirmed that the breach has been contained and that the compromised data has been destroyed. The company is working with law enforcement to monitor for any potential exposure of data. According to CCS, it is important to note that neither Cumberland County Schools nor NCDPI could have prevented this incident, as they do not have administrative access to the system’s maintenance tunnel.
“Our district is working closely with NCDPI and PowerSchool to notify impacted individuals once the full scope of the breach is confirmed. We remain committed to protecting the data of our students and staff and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available,” said the district in a released statement.
Cindy Akers-Gilford creates stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork in her studio in Dunn, N.C. Photos provided by Cimply Broken.Self-made Artist and Founder of Cimply Broken
FirstHealth’s art therapy for cancer patients and caregivers helps attendees reduce stress through creative expression. Photo provided by Deborah Yarborough.Group therapy can provide much-needed support and comfort during difficult times, and t
Van Goat Studios, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself and reflect the spirit of local communities through murals. Photo provided by Elyse Johnson.Elyse Johnson of Van Goat Studios in Dunn wants to spread her ar
