Baltimore City Schools Hit by Cyberattack, Personal Data Exposed
Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) has confirmed a February 13, 2025, cyberattack that compromised personal information belonging to current and former employees, volunteers, contractors, and a small number of students (less than 1.5%).
Key Facts:
- Date: February 13, 2025
- Who’s Affected: Staff, volunteers, contractors, and under 1.5% of students
- Data Breached: SSNs, license/passport numbers, student records
- Response: Law enforcement notified, systems secured, credit monitoring offered
What Happened?
Suspicious network activity was detected, prompting a swift lockdown and investigation. Cybercriminals accessed sensitive files, especially those from onboarding processes. Student files included call logs, absentee data, and limited personal info.
What BCPS Is Doing:
- Mailed notification letters (as of April 22)
- Offering 24 months of free credit monitoring
- Set up a support call center
- Upgraded cybersecurity tools and policies
- Conducted a full forensic audit
What You Should Do:
- Monitor your credit
- Place a fraud alert
- Report suspicious activity
- Use identity protection services
The Bigger Picture:
The attack highlights rising cyber threats against educational institutions and the urgent need for stronger digital defenses. BCPS has apologized for the breach and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and data security.
“We deeply value the trust our students, families, and staff place in us,” said a district spokesperson.
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