COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina students and staff fell victim to an international data breach, according to the state Department of Education (SCDE).

On Tuesday, state education officials reported PowerSchool notified them of a breach that resulted in unauthorized access to certain customer data from the company’s Student Information Systems (SIS). The breach includes personally identifiable information (PII) from multiple states and school districts across the country.

According to PowerSchool’s website, over 60 million students use the software across more than 90 countries.  

“The protection of our South Carolina students’ and educators’ personal data is non-negotiable. We fully recognize the anxiety this raises for them and their families,” said State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver

South Carolina education officials said school districts and the state had no control over the breach.

PowerSchool stated the breach has been contained. However, SCDE reports it is actively communicating with legal counsel, PowerSchool, local districts, and law enforcement to address and assess the full impact on schools.

“While PowerSchool has taken accountability for this breach, our department will take uncompromising action to ensure we uncover the complete extent of this incident.  We will insist that PowerSchool not only notify affected individuals but also provide them with credit and identity monitoring services,” Weaver continued.