Key Takeways:
- The California Student Data Breach affected millions of student records at Educational Testing Service (ETS).
- An unauthorized person used stolen login details to access files over nearly four months.
- Officials say Social Security numbers and financial information were not accessed.
The California student data breach affected millions of current and former student records after an unauthorized person accessed files stored on an Educational Testing Service (ETS) file-sharing system.
Educational testing service finds security breach
ETS found a security breach involving its file-sharing website on September 25. An investigation found that someone used stolen login details to enter the protected site. The person copied files containing California student records at different times over nearly four months.
The California Department of Education confirmed that the breach affected current and former students, with records dating back several years. ETS runs key state tests for public schools, including English language tests for students learning the language. Officials took steps to secure the affected systems after finding the breach.
ETS then shut down the original file-sharing site. The company built a new site with stronger security measures to protect student information. It said protecting student privacy and keeping testing programs running safely remain its main priorities.
California student data breach did not expose financial details
ETS said the person who accessed the files did not reach several types of sensitive information. Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and passport numbers were not accessed. Financial account details, credit card information, and account passwords were also safe.
Information about parents and guardians was not exposed either. As of Friday, ETS said there was no evidence that the copied files had been posted online. Officials continue to watch for signs that the information may be misused.
The California Department of Education is offering affected people two years of free identity protection through Experian Identity Works. Parents and former students should read their notification letters for details on how to sign up. The service helps people spot possible misuse of their personal information.
ETS strengthens security after California student data breach
After the investigation, ETS added more security measures to its computer systems. These include closer monitoring, stricter rules for accessing files, and extra reviews by outside security experts. The changes aim to lower the risk of another breach involving stolen login details.
The state education department also paused its usual processing of enrollment data while it carried out security checks. State officials are working with ETS to limit delays to ongoing testing. Schools across California continue to follow updated instructions from state leaders.
ETS has started sending letters to affected students and families. Officials said the letters would be sent in stages through early November. The company says it remains focused on protecting student information.
