Technology

School Data Breach: Cybercriminals Keep Teachers in Dark

Published

7 months ago

July 17, 2025

Joseph Jacob

Reviewed
By Ava Harper

Introduction

Imagine walking into your classroom one morning—only to learn that hackers have already stolen your most private information. Across the U.S., cybercriminals are targeting school systems, compromising student and teacher records, and keeping educators in the dark about the breaches. These attacks can expose Social Security numbers, medical histories, and home addresses, putting millions at risk. In this article, we’ll explore how these attacks happen, highlight major incidents, and share simple steps schools and teachers can take to safeguard sensitive data and restore trust.

The Rising Tide of School Cyberattacks

Ransomware and data breaches in K‑12 districts have surged in recent years. Between April 2016 and November 2022, at least 325 ransomware attacks were publicly disclosed across U.S. school districts, according to nonprofit K12 Security Information Exchange. From January 2023 through June 2024, another 83 potential ransomware incidents were reported, showing that no region is immune. Criminals exploit outdated networks and minimal security budgets to lock systems and demand ransoms, leaving classrooms offline and families anxious.

A Massive Breach: The PowerSchool Hack

In January 2025, a hacker calling himself “CyberModder” claimed to have stolen data on 62.4 million students and 9.5 million teachers across 6,505 school districts worldwide. The breach targeted PowerSchool, a popular student‑information system, using stolen support‑portal credentials to exfiltrate personal details—names, birthdates, Social Security numbers, and health records. When PowerSchool executives secretly paid the ransom, they even watched a video of the hacker deleting the stolen data—yet many educators still don’t know their information was at risk.

Teachers Kept in the Dark

A recent investigation by The 74 tracked over 300 K‑12 cyberattack incidents in five years and found that students, parents, and teachers were often unaware when their data was stolen. Schools frequently delay public notices, citing attorney‑client privilege and fear of liability, while breach‑coaching consultants manage communications behind closed doors. This secrecy leaves educators unprepared to take protective action—such as freezing credit or monitoring identity theft—and compounds the fallout of each attack.

Real‑World Impact on Districts

In early 2023, the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona was crippled by a pre‑dawn ransomware attack that locked classroom systems and forced educators to scramble for paper‑based lessons. In North Carolina, PowerSchool admitted that it only learned of its own breach when the hacker reached out—underscoring the fact that many school networks lack multi‑factor authentication and basic safeguards. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Unified is still investigating claims that someone offered stolen student and teacher data for sale on the dark web after a 2022 cyberattack.

Why Schools Are Vulnerable

Several factors make educational institutions prime targets:

Aging Technology: Many districts run critical systems on outdated software with unpatched security holes.
Limited IT Budgets: Tight funding means fewer cybersecurity tools, staff, and training programs.
High‑Value Data: Student and teacher records contain rich personal information that fetches high prices on black markets.
Underreporting: Without transparency, schools lack public pressure to strengthen defenses.

These vulnerabilities create an attractive low‑risk, high‑reward scenario for cybercriminals.

Consequences for Students and Teachers

When breach notices are delayed or withheld, victims face:

Identity Theft: Social Security numbers and birthdates can be used to open fraudulent accounts.
Financial Loss: Ransom payments and incident response costs drain district budgets.
Learning Disruptions: Locked systems force schools into costly workarounds.
Emotional Stress: Educators and families grapple with uncertainty about their privacy and safety.

By the time some districts admit an attack, the damage to trust is already done.

Strengthening Defenses: School Best Practices

Image by: Yandex.com

Cybersecurity experts recommend:

Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA on all administrative and support‑portal accounts.
Regular Backups: Maintain off‑network backups of critical data to enable rapid recovery.
Network Segmentation: Separate student‑information systems from public‑facing networks.
Staff Training: Teach teachers and administrators to spot phishing emails and social‑engineering tactics.
Incident Response Plans: Develop clear breach‑notification protocols to inform staff, parents, and authorities quickly.

Implementing these steps can reduce the risk of intrusion and limit the scope of damage when breaches do occur.

Action Steps for Teachers and Parents

Even outside of district initiatives, individual educators and guardians can take steps:

Monitor Credit Reports: Check for unusual activity and freeze credit if needed.
Change Passwords Regularly: Use strong, unique passwords for any school accounts.
Enable Notifications: Sign up for district alert systems to receive breach notices immediately.
Advocate for Transparency: Push school boards to adopt clear policies on breach disclosure and compensation.

Proactive personal measures complement institutional defenses and help protect sensitive records.

Regulatory Landscape and Reporting

Federal and state laws require public‑school districts to report breaches under statutes like the Identity Theft Protection Act of 2005 and various student‑privacy regulations. However, enforcement is uneven, and some districts exploit legal loopholes or “breach‑coach” advice to delay notices. Advocates argue for stronger mandates—including fines and mandatory breach‑report timelines—to ensure timely, transparent communication with affected communities.

Conclusion

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting school systems, stealing data on millions of students and teachers, and often keeping educators in the dark about breaches. These attacks exploit outdated systems, limited IT budgets, and lax reporting practices, leading to identity theft, financial losses, and disrupted learning. By adopting multi‑factor authentication, regular backups, network segmentation, and robust incident‑response plans, districts can better safeguard sensitive records. Teachers and parents should also monitor credit, update passwords, and demand transparency. Only through collective vigilance and clear communication can schools defend against cyber threats and protect their communities.

Author

Joseph Jacob

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Digital Development

AI and Automation: Transforming Business Workflows for Efficiency

Published

46 minutes ago

February 10, 2026

AlexMorgan

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency and speed are no longer luxuries; they are necessities. Companies of every size are under pressure to reduce manual tasks, streamline operations, and deliver better results with fewer resources. This is where technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation come in, offering powerful solutions for modern digital workflows.

AI and automation tools are no longer futuristic concepts; they are practical business enablers. From handling customer interactions to connecting systems behind the scenes, these technologies are reshaping how teams work and improving productivity across departments.

In this article, we’ll explore how AI and automation are making a measurable impact on business workflows, what types of tools are available, and why adopting them is no longer optional for forward-thinking organizations.

What Is AI-Driven Automation and Why It Matters

Artificial intelligence and automation together create systems that can perform repetitive tasks with minimal human intervention. Traditional automation focuses on rule-based processes, but AI-driven automation goes a step further. It uses intelligent algorithms to adapt, learn, and improve results over time.

For example, instead of manually moving data from one system to another, intelligent automation can observe patterns and automate entire processes from start to finish. This reduces errors, improves speed, and frees up human workers to focus on strategic priorities.

Businesses that adopt AI automation tools can:

Reduce time spent on manual tasks
Improve accuracy and consistency
Enhance cross-department collaboration
Unlock deeper insights from data

AI doesn’t replace human workers; it augments them.

Key Areas Where AI and Automation Are Making the Biggest Impact

Customer Engagement and Support Systems

Customer expectations have never been higher, and companies must respond quickly and accurately. AI-powered chat systems and automation tools help businesses manage customer queries, support tickets, and websites seamlessly.

For example, integrating chatbot platforms with customer relationship management systems allows teams to automate responses, route tickets, and maintain personalized conversations without constant human oversight. Services like chatbot-to-CRM integration empower organizations to synchronize customer data and provide faster, more consistent service.

Interconnecting Business Systems

Most modern businesses rely on a variety of tools, from marketing platforms to sales dashboards and project trackers. Manually shifting data between these tools can be slow and error-prone.

By implementing AI development services and automation solutions, organizations can connect these systems intelligently. Automated workflows push data where it needs to go, trigger notifications, and keep information synchronized without constant manual input. This improves operational visibility and reduces the risk of mistakes.

AI Tools That Support Internal Efficiency

Smart Task Automation

Instead of assigning repetitive tasks to employees, intelligent systems can execute them automatically. This includes activities like:

sending scheduled reports
updating databases
triggering follow-ups
monitoring system health

The result? Teams can redirect their time and energy toward high-value work.

Knowledge Management and Digital Assistants

Another major area where AI is helping teams is in managing internal knowledge. AI-powered knowledge bots allow organizations to index, retrieve, and share internal documentation quickly. Projects that once stalled because information was buried in email or shared drives now move faster because employees can ask a bot and get answers instantly. This is particularly useful for teams facing rapid growth or complex environments.

Why Modern Businesses Need AI and Automation Now

Adopting AI and automation isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore; it’s a strategic priority. The world is changing, competition is increasing, and customers expect faster responses than ever before. Below are some reasons why these technologies are vital:

Faster decision-making: With automated reports and real-time insights
Error reduction: Systems outperform humans in consistency
Cost efficiency: Less time wasted on repetitive tasks
Employee satisfaction: Workers focus on meaningful work

Investing in these tools can make the difference between thriving and just surviving.

Choosing the Right Tools for Your Business

With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which tools are right for your organization. Here are a few tips when evaluating potential solutions:

Understand your pain points — Identify processes that are slow, repetitive, or error-prone.
Start small — Pilot automation in one area before scaling.
Measure results — Track time saved, error reduction, and productivity improvements.
Build for growth — Choose tools that can evolve as your business grows.

Remember, automation should help employees work smarter, not just faster.

Conclusion

AI and automation tools are fundamentally transforming the way businesses operate. They reduce manual effort, accelerate workflows, and unlock new efficiencies across departments. Whether it’s enhancing customer engagement, improving internal operations, or connecting disconnected systems, these technologies are becoming essential for organizations that want to stay competitive in a digital-first world.

Forward-thinking teams are increasingly adopting structured automation strategies and intelligent integrations to simplify daily processes and improve accuracy. Platforms like MindRind focus on helping businesses implement practical AI systems, workflow automation, and connected solutions that make operations smoother and more scalable over time.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to automate tasks; it’s to build smarter systems that allow people to focus on meaningful work. Businesses that embrace AI-driven tools today will be better prepared for sustainable growth tomorrow.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between automation and AI automation?

Traditional automation follows fixed rules to perform repetitive tasks, while AI automation uses machine learning and intelligent decision-making to adapt and improve over time. This allows systems to handle more complex processes and respond dynamically to changing conditions.

How can AI tools improve customer support operations?

AI tools like chatbots and automated workflows can respond to common queries instantly, route tickets efficiently, and sync customer data across systems. This reduces response times, improves accuracy, and allows support teams to focus on higher-value interactions.

Are AI and automation solutions suitable for small businesses?

Yes, AI and automation are not just for large enterprises. Small and mid-sized businesses can benefit greatly by automating repetitive tasks, reducing operational costs, and improving productivity. Even simple workflow improvements can save hours every week.

What processes are best to automate first?

Businesses should start with repetitive, time-consuming tasks such as data entry, customer follow-ups, reporting, or system integrations. These areas deliver quick wins and make it easier to scale more advanced solutions like intelligent bots or connected CRM workflows.

How do chatbot and CRM integrations help sales teams?

Connecting chatbots with CRM platforms ensures that customer conversations, leads, and data are captured automatically in one place. Solutions such as chatbot-to-CRM integration services help teams track interactions, reduce manual updates, and create faster, more personalized follow-ups.

Author

AlexMorgan

Working at the intersection of AI and automation, Alex connects smart bots with customer databases through customer support automation, helping teams respond faster and manage data effortlessly. View all posts

Business

Troubleshooting Lacerte Software Crashes: Causes and Solutions

Published

4 hours ago

February 10, 2026

taxsoftware

Lacerte Software is one of the most trusted tax preparation tools used by CPAs, accounting firms, and tax professionals. It’s powerful, feature-rich, and designed to handle complex tax returns with ease. But let’s be honest—nothing kills productivity faster than Lacerte software crashing again and again, especially during peak tax season.

If you’ve ever faced sudden freezes, unexpected shutdowns, error messages, or slow performance while using Lacerte, you’re not alone. Many users experience these issues at some point. The good news? Most Lacerte errors can be fixed easily without needing deep technical knowledge.

In this blog, we’ll break down why Lacerte keeps crashing, the most common Lacerte errors, and simple fixes you can try right away. We’ll keep everything in plain, easy language—no tech jargon overload.

Why Does Lacerte Software Keep Crashing?

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand what causes Lacerte crashes in the first place. Usually, it’s not just one issue—it’s a mix of system, network, or software problems.

Here are some common reasons:

Outdated Lacerte software
Corrupted program or data files
Poor internet or network connection
Insufficient system resources (RAM, storage)
Conflicts with antivirus or firewall
Network setup issues in multi-user environments

Now let’s look at the most common Lacerte errors and how you can fix them.

Common Lacerte Errors That Cause Crashing

1. Lacerte Stops Working or Freezes Suddenly

This is one of the most frustrating problems. You’re working on a return, and suddenly Lacerte freezes or closes without warning.

Possible causes:

Low system memory
Too many programs running in the background
Corrupted client files

Simple fixes:

Close unnecessary programs before opening Lacerte
Restart your system and reopen the software
Run Lacerte as an administrator
Repair the Lacerte installation from the control panel

2. Lacerte Crashes While Opening a Client File

If Lacerte crashes when you try to open a specific return, the issue is usually with that client data file.

Possible causes:

Corrupted client file
Interrupted save process
Network disconnection

Simple fixes:

Try opening a different client file to confirm the issue
Restore the client file from a backup
Use Lacerte’s built-in data repair tools
Make sure your network connection is stable

3. Lacerte Update Errors Causing Crashes

Updates are important, but sometimes a failed or incomplete update can lead to repeated crashes.

Possible causes:

Interrupted download
Firewall or antivirus blocking the update
Insufficient disk space

Simple fixes:

Run updates as an administrator
Temporarily disable antivirus during the update
Ensure enough free disk space
Download and install updates manually if needed

4. Lacerte Network Errors in Multi-User Setup

If you’re using Lacerte in an office with multiple users, crashes often happen due to network issues.

Possible causes:

Unstable local network
Incorrect network paths
Server connectivity issues

Simple fixes:

Check that all users are connected to the same server
Verify network drive mappings
Avoid using Wi-Fi for the server—wired connections work better
Ensure the server system stays on and doesn’t go into sleep mode

5. Lacerte Crashes During E-Filing

Crashes during e-filing can be stressful, especially close to deadlines.

Possible causes:

Internet interruptions
Corrupted e-file data
Outdated program version

Simple fixes:

Save your work before e-filing
Check your internet connection
Update Lacerte to the latest version
Recreate the e-file if needed

6. Lacerte Software Slow Performance Before Crashing

Sometimes Lacerte doesn’t crash immediately—it becomes slow, unresponsive, and then shuts down.

Possible causes:

Low RAM or CPU overload
Large client database
Background applications

Simple fixes:

Upgrade system RAM if possible
Close unused applications
Archive old client files
Restart the system daily during tax season

How Antivirus and Firewall Can Cause Lacerte Errors

Many users don’t realize that antivirus software and firewalls can interfere with Lacerte.

What happens:

Antivirus blocks Lacerte files
Firewall restricts network communication
Program files get quarantined

What you can do:

Add Lacerte folders to antivirus exclusions
Allow Lacerte through the firewall
Avoid running heavy scans during work hours

This small step alone fixes a large number of Lacerte crashing issues.

System Requirements Matter More Than You Think

Lacerte is a powerful application and needs proper system resources. If your system is outdated, expect crashes.

Basic tips:

Keep Windows updated
Maintain enough free disk space
Avoid using old hardware for heavy tax work
Restart systems regularly

If your firm handles a high volume of returns, local desktops may struggle to keep up.

How Lacerte Hosting Helps Prevent Crashes

One of the smartest ways to avoid Lacerte errors is by moving to Lacerte hosting. With Lacerte hosting, the software runs on a secure cloud server instead of your local computer.

Benefits of Lacerte hosting:

Fewer crashes due to high-performance servers
No dependency on local system limitations
Automatic updates and backups
Secure access from anywhere
Smooth multi-user collaboration

Because the server handles most of the workload, users experience better speed, stability, and reliability, especially during peak tax season.

Best Practices to Prevent Lacerte Software Crashes

Prevention is always better than fixing issues during a busy day.

Here are some easy best practices:

Always keep Lacerte updated
Take regular backups of client data
Avoid force-closing the software
Use stable internet connections
Train staff on proper software usage
Consider cloud or hosting solutions

These simple habits can save hours of frustration.

Final Thoughts

Lacerte software crashes can be frustrating, stressful, and costly—especially during tax season. But most Lacerte errors are caused by common issues like outdated software, system limitations, network problems, or file corruption.

By understanding these problems and applying simple fixes, you can keep your workflow smooth and stress-free. For firms looking for long-term stability, Lacerte hosting and Drake hosting offer a reliable solution that minimizes crashes, improves speed, and supports remote work.

Author

taxsoftware

View all posts

Consumer Services

Benefits of Hiring a React Native Developer in Las Cruces, NM

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

uslogo

In today’s mobile-first world, having a powerful, user-friendly mobile application is no longer optional—it’s essential. Businesses of all sizes are investing in mobile apps to reach customers faster, improve engagement, and stay competitive. One of the most efficient ways to build high-quality mobile applications is by working with a React Native Developer In Las Cruces, NM, especially if you want both performance and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality.

What Is React Native and Why Does It Matter?

React Native is a widely-used open-source framework created by Facebook that enables developers to create mobile apps with JavaScript and React. The key advantage of React Native is its ability to create apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase. This significantly reduces development time and cost while maintaining near-native performance.

For businesses in Las Cruces and beyond, this means faster time to market, easier maintenance, and a consistent user experience across platforms. A skilled React Native Developer In Las Cruces, NM understands how to leverage this framework to deliver scalable, secure, and visually appealing mobile applications tailored to your business goals.

The Value of Hiring a Local React Native Developer

While outsourcing development overseas may seem attractive, working with a local developer offers unique benefits. A React Native Developer In Las Cruces, NM understands the local market, business environment, and customer expectations. This local insight can make a real difference in how your app is designed, marketed, and ultimately received by users.

Additionally, communication is smoother when you’re working in the same time zone. Meetings, updates, and collaboration become more efficient, reducing delays and misunderstandings. For startups and small businesses, having direct access to a local expert can save both time and money.

Customized Mobile Solutions for Local Businesses

Every business is different, and a one-size-fits-all mobile app rarely works. A professional React Native Developer In Las Cruces, NM focuses on creating customized solutions that align with your brand identity and operational needs. Whether you’re a restaurant, healthcare provider, retail store, or service-based business, your app should solve specific problems and enhance customer experience.

From intuitive user interfaces to seamless backend integrations, React Native developers can tailor features such as push notifications, real-time updates, secure payment gateways, and GPS-based services. These features not only improve functionality but also help build trust and loyalty among users.

Cost-Effective Development Without Compromising Quality

A major benefit of React Native is its cost-effectiveness. Since a single codebase powers both Android and iOS apps, development and maintenance costs are significantly reduced. A skilled React Native Developer In Las Cruces, NM can maximize this advantage by writing clean, reusable code that scales as your business grows.

For startups and small businesses in Las Cruces, this cost efficiency can be a game changer. You get a high-quality mobile app without the expense of maintaining two separate development teams. This allows you to allocate resources to marketing, customer support, or additional features.

Performance, Security, and Scalability

Performance and security are critical factors in mobile app development. React Native offers excellent performance, especially when optimized by an experienced developer. A trusted React Native Developer In Las Cruces, NM knows how to optimize app speed, minimize load times, and ensure smooth user interactions.

Security is equally important, particularly if your app handles sensitive user data. Professional developers follow best practices for data encryption, secure authentication, and API protection. As your user base grows, scalability becomes essential, and React Native’s architecture supports seamless scaling without major rewrites.

Supporting Long-Term Growth and Maintenance

Launching an app is only the beginning. Regular updates, bug fixes, and performance improvements are necessary to keep users engaged and satisfied. Working with a React Native Developer In Las Cruces, NM ensures ongoing support and maintenance from someone who understands your app’s architecture from the ground up.

Local developers are also more accessible for long-term partnerships. As your business evolves, they can help add new features, integrate third-party services, or adapt your app to changing market demands.

Why Las Cruces Is a Growing Tech Hub

Las Cruces, NM, is steadily growing as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. With a supportive business environment and a growing demand for digital solutions, the need for skilled developers continues to rise. Choosing a React Native Developer In Las Cruces, NM means investing in local talent while contributing to the region’s economic growth.

Local developers often bring a strong sense of community and commitment to their work. They’re invested in helping nearby businesses succeed, which translates into higher quality service and long-term reliability.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a React Native Developer In Las Cruces, NM is more than just a technical decision—it’s a strategic one. You gain access to modern mobile technology, local expertise, cost-effective development, and ongoing support tailored to your business needs. Whether you’re launching a new startup or upgrading an existing digital presence, React Native offers the flexibility and performance required to succeed in today’s competitive market.

By partnering with the right developer, you can transform your ideas into a powerful mobile application that connects with users, drives growth, and positions your business for long-term success.