Technology

School Data Breach: Cybercriminals Keep Teachers in Dark

Published

4 hours 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 Criminals exploit outdated networks and minimal security budgets to lock systems and demand ransoms, leaving classrooms offline and families anxious.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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Is Qwant’s Fate About to Change? OVH Founder in Negotiations

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Are You Paying Too Much for UI/UX Design Services Without Results?

Technology

Is Qwant’s Fate About to Change? OVH Founder in Negotiations

Published

4 hours ago

July 17, 2025

Joseph Jacob

Reviewed
By Chloe Carter

Introduction

A major shift may be coming for Qwant, the French search engine often billed as Europe’s privacy alternative to Google. In April 2023, Octave Klaba—the founder of cloud provider OVHcloud—confirmed he is in talks to acquire Qwant. This deal could mark a turning point for the firm, which has struggled to grow despite generous public support. In this article, we’ll explore why Octave Klaba’s bid for Qwant matters, outline the key details of the negotiations, and consider what it could mean for the future of a truly European search engine.

The Rise and Struggles of Qwant

Qwant launched in beta in February 2013 with a clear promise: protect user privacy by not tracking searches or collecting personal data. Today, it serves users in over 30 countries and powers searches for parts of the French administration.

Despite strong political backing—including being named the default search engine for French government systems—Qwant has struggled to gain market share against Google and Bing. Audits revealed that Qwant still relies on Microsoft’s Bing for up to 64% of its results. Financially, it has run large losses and carries significant debt from loans and public grants. These challenges left Qwant searching for a sustainable path forward.

Who Is Octave Klaba?

Octave Klaba founded OVH in 1999 in France, growing it into one of Europe’s largest cloud computing firms. Known for competitive pricing and a commitment to data sovereignty, OVHcloud operates over 30 data centers worldwide. Klaba and his brother Miroslaw also acquired Shadow, a cloud gaming company, through their investment arm Jezby Ventures.

Klaba has a track record of rescuing and scaling tech companies. His interest in Qwant builds on a broader vision: to combine cloud services, gaming, storage, and search into a unified European platform. This move aligns with growing concerns about reliance on U.S. tech giants and the push for digital sovereignty across the European Union.

Details of the Negotiations

On April 11, 2023, Qwant confirmed it was in “highly preliminary” talks with OVHcloud’s founder to sell the company. Under UK takeover rules, the bidder has until May 15 to submit a firm offer. No financial details have been disclosed, but both sides expect to finalize terms after reviewing recent changes in Qwant’s partnership with Microsoft.

Klaba plans to acquire Qwant through a new entity called Synfonium. He and his brother would hold 75% of Synfonium, while Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)—Qwant’s largest public investor—would retain the remaining 25%. Synfonium will also integrate Shadow’s cloud gaming and storage assets, hinting at a multi‑service approach.

Synfonium: A New European Tech Platform

Synfonium is more than a holding company. Klaba envisions it as a “cornerstone” for a suite of European digital services. The name reflects the plan: build a “symphony” of cloud storage, email, gaming, and search under one roof. This integrated strategy aims to attract both individual users and business customers by bundling essential online tools.

75% Ownership: Octave and Miroslaw Klaba
25% Ownership: Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations
Assets Included: Qwant search engine, Shadow cloud platform

Klaba has publicly tested new search prototypes with Qwant’s team and plans to present a detailed roadmap by September, after closing the deal later this summer.

Why OVHcloud Is Interested

Image by: Yandex.com

Analysts see several reasons Klaba is pursuing Qwant:

Data Sovereignty: Owning a European search engine supports strategic autonomy from U.S. tech firms.
User Privacy: Qwant’s privacy-first brand aligns with European laws like GDPR and can differentiate Synfonium’s services.
Cross‑Selling: Integrating search with OVHcloud’s existing customers could boost adoption of other cloud offerings.
Growth Potential: A refreshed Qwant could gain market share if paired with new tech, such as generative AI.

This acquisition would give Klaba a direct presence in consumer‑facing tech—a space he has not yet dominated—and strengthen his mission to build a full‑stack European alternative to platforms like Google Workspace and Amazon Web Services.

Implications for Europe’s Digital Landscape

European institutions have long discussed building homegrown alternatives to U.S. tech giants. Klaba’s bid for Qwant offers a concrete step in that direction. A successful turn‑around could:

Encourage further investment in EU‑based digital startups.
Reduce dependence on non‑European cloud services and search engines.
Spur innovation in privacy‑centric technologies.

However, past efforts—like the European Investment Fund’s loans and public grants—have not stopped Qwant’s decline. Critics warn that merging with OVHcloud assets may not solve fundamental issues: low user adoption and technological reliance on Bing. The new Synfonium must deliver a search engine that rivals Google on speed, relevance, and features to truly reshape Europe’s digital map.

Challenges Ahead

Turning negotiations into a successful takeover and relaunch will demand:

Technical Overhaul: Developing an independent search index to reduce Bing dependency.
User Acquisition: Convincing millions to try Qwant instead of established rivals.
Regulatory Approval: Gaining clearance from French and EU authorities for the Synfonium structure.
Financial Backing: Securing investment to cover debt repayments and fund a technology rebuild.

Even with Klaba’s backing, reviving Qwant requires significant resources. Government audits have flagged Qwant’s heavy reliance on external technologies and repeated financial losses.

What Happens Next?

By May 15, Octave Klaba must decide whether to make a binding offer under UK takeover rules. If he proceeds:

Due Diligence: Detailed review of Qwant’s finances and technology partnerships.
Final Agreement: Signing a sale and share transfer contract.
Regulatory Filings: Notification to EU competition authorities and French financial regulators.
Integration Plan: Merging Qwant’s operations with Shadow and OVHcloud’s support teams.

If talks break down, Qwant may seek other buyers or pursue a fresh funding round. But Klaba’s strategic vision has generated the most interest so far.

Investor and User Reactions

Markets immediately cheered the news. Qwant’s share price rose sharply on the announcement, reflecting hope for a strong turnaround. Tech observers praised Klaba’s boldness but cautioned that rebuilding trust with users and partners will take time.

Privacy advocates are watching closely. A successful Synfonium could prove that tech sovereignty and user privacy can coexist with commercial viability. Conversely, a failed acquisition might reinforce doubts about Europe’s ability to challenge Big Tech.

Conclusion

The potential acquisition of Qwant by OVHcloud founder Octave Klaba could reshape the future of Europe’s “privacy-friendly” search engine and mark a new chapter in digital sovereignty. With Synfonium poised to combine search, cloud, gaming, and storage, the plan promises a unified platform that respects user privacy and challenges U.S. tech dominance. Yet, hurdles lie ahead: technological independence, user adoption, regulatory approval, and funding needs. As May 15 approaches, all eyes are on Klaba’s next move—and on whether these negotiations will finally give Qwant the lifeline it needs to fulfill its founding promise.

Author

Joseph Jacob

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Technology

Are You Paying Too Much for UI/UX Design Services Without Results?

Published

6 hours ago

July 17, 2025

msmcoretech

Introduction

In today’s competitive digital space, every click matters. Businesses are investing heavily in UI/UX design services to enhance user satisfaction, increase retention, and boost conversions. However, a pressing question arises are you actually getting what you pay for? Or are you just throwing money at fancy visuals with no tangible ROI?

Many brands unknowingly fall into the trap of working with overpriced or inexperienced agencies, resulting in poor outcomes despite premium pricing. This article explores how to identify if you’re overspending on UI/UX Design and what to look for in a trustworthy ui ux designer company.

Signs You’re Overpaying for UI/UX Design

Let’s begin by analyzing a few red flags that indicate you may be overspending on ui ux design services:

1. Lack of Strategy

If your UI/UX team jumps straight into visual design without research, user analysis, or strategic planning, that’s a major concern. A good ui ux design agency understands the importance of aligning user needs with business goals.

2. No Clear Metrics

How is success measured? If your current ui ux design services company can’t give you data on engagement, bounce rates, or user satisfaction, they might be masking a lack of performance with nice-looking visuals.

3. Constant Redesigns

If you find yourself frequently going back to the drawing board with endless revisions, you’re wasting not just money, but time. It’s a sign the agency didn’t understand the core requirements from the beginning.

4. Misaligned Pricing

You might be paying enterprise-level prices for startup-level execution. Always ensure the agency’s pricing is in line with their experience, expertise, and portfolio.

What You Should Be Paying For

To avoid overpaying, you need to understand what high-quality ui ux design services include:

1. User Research and Persona Development

Every effective design begins with understanding the target audience. Look for a ui ux design agency that conducts interviews, surveys, or analytics research before making design decisions.

2. Wireframing and Prototyping

These blueprints help you visualize the user journey before final design. A reliable ui ux designer company should always provide prototypes before moving to development.

3. Usability Testing

Testing with real users is crucial. A top-tier ui ux design services company will analyze feedback to improve functionality, not just aesthetics.

4. Post-Launch Analysis

The work doesn’t stop at deployment. Quality agencies monitor performance and make necessary improvements to ensure long-term usability and ROI.

Evaluating ROI from UI/UX Investments

You’re not just paying for a visual upgrade you’re investing in user satisfaction, reduced bounce rates, and higher conversions. Here’s how to ensure ROI:

Compare Bounce Rate Before & After: A successful UI/UX redesign should reduce bounce rates significantly.
Track Conversion Growth: Measure how the new design impacts sign-ups, purchases, or any other KPIs.
Monitor User Feedback: Tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, or Google Analytics can help you understand how users behave on your platform.

If these metrics aren’t improving, it’s time to question the value you’re getting from your ui ux design services.

Choosing the Right UI/UX Partner

Selecting the right ui ux designer company can make all the difference. Here are qualities to look for:

1. Transparent Process

A professional ui ux design services company should walk you through each step, from discovery to launch.

2. Portfolio & Case Studies

Always request examples of past work. Evaluate how their design choices improved business results for their clients.

3. Client Testimonials

Happy clients are the best proof of credibility. Look for authentic reviews across platforms.

4. Tailored Solutions

Every business is different. Avoid agencies that offer cookie-cutter solutions and instead go with a ui ux design agency that customizes its approach.

Budgeting Smartly Without Compromising Quality

You don’t need to burn your budget to get great results. Many businesses fall for inflated prices due to flashy presentations or industry jargon. Instead, focus on agencies that:

Offer scalable packages based on your needs
Provide detailed breakdowns of time and cost
Encourage collaboration and feedback during the process

Remember, quality doesn’t always mean expensive. It means thoughtful, user-focused design that delivers results.

Choosing the Right Designer or Agency

Not all designers are the same. To pick a partner who delivers:

Check Case Studies. Look for past projects with clear before-and-after metrics.
Read Testimonials. Focus on comments about meeting business goals.
Assess Communication. They should explain design choices in plain language.
Request a Mini Project. A paid trial task can reveal their style and efficiency.

The right fit often costs less in the long run because work is precise and outcome-driven.

Final Thoughts

In a digital-first world, investing in ui ux design services is non-negotiable — but blindly pouring money into flashy interfaces without strategic grounding is a recipe for disappointment. Whether you’re working with a boutique ui ux design agency or a large-scale ui ux design services company, results should always justify the cost.

So, are you paying too much for UI/UX without seeing real impact? Take a closer look at your agency’s approach, track your key performance indicators, and don’t hesitate to switch to a ui ux designer company that values performance as much as aesthetics.Discover what distinguishes a good ui ux design services company from a truly exceptional one. Learn the traits of a top-tier ui ux designer company and how to choose the best ui ux design agency for your brand.

You deserve design that works — not just looks good.

Author

msmcoretech

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Technology

Scale Faster with Offshore Development Center Services by Quytech

Published

6 hours ago

July 17, 2025

daisygrace

Reviewed
By Isabella Clark

scale-faster-with-offshore-development-center-services-by-quytech

Introduction

In today’s competitive business world, companies need to grow fast and deliver high-quality products and services to stay ahead. But hiring the right tech team, building infrastructure, and managing costs can slow down progress. That’s where Offshore Development Center (ODC) services come into play.

At Quytech, we help businesses scale faster and smarter with our offshore development center services. Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, partnering with us gives you access to expert developers, the latest technologies, and cost-effective solutions all while maintaining quality.

In this blog, we’ll explain how offshore software development center services work, the benefits they offer, and how Quytech can help you set up your own dedicated offshore development center in India.

What is an Offshore Development Center?

An offshore development center is a dedicated team of software developers, designers, QA engineers, and project managers located in another country, usually where operational costs are lower. These teams work exclusively for your company but are managed by a reliable outsourcing partner like Quytech.

Think of it as your extended IT team — just working from a different location. With an ODC offshore development center, you gain access to top tech talent, modern infrastructure, and efficient project delivery, all without the high cost of in-house hiring.

Why Businesses Choose Offshore Development Center Services

There are many reasons companies choose offshore development center services, especially when they want to scale quickly and efficiently:

1. Cost Savings

Hiring local developers in countries like the USA, UK, or Canada can be expensive. With offshore development services in India, companies save up to 60–70% on development costs. India offers a large pool of skilled developers at affordable rates.

2. Access to Skilled Talent

India is home to millions of IT professionals. When you hire dedicated developers in India, you get access to experts in various technologies such as AI, blockchain, mobile apps, web development, and more.

3. Faster Time to Market

Having a dedicated offshore development center speeds up your development process. The team works exclusively on your projects, reducing delays and improving product delivery timelines.

4. Scalability

Whether you want to increase or decrease the size of your team, an offshore software development center makes it easy. Scale your resources up or down based on your current needs.

5. Focus on Core Business

By outsourcing development work to an offshore development centre in India, your internal team can focus on strategic business goals like marketing, growth, and innovation.

Quytech’s Offshore Development Center Services

Offshore Development Center Services by Quytech

Image by: Yandex.com

At Quytech, we provide customized offshore development center services tailored to your business needs. Whether you’re building a new product, expanding your development capacity, or looking for long-term support, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s how our offshore software development center solutions stand out:

1. Custom Team Setup

We understand that each project has different needs. That’s why we help you set up an offshore software development center with handpicked talent based on your specific requirements.

2. Dedicated Team

Your offshore team works exclusively for your business. This ensures complete focus, full commitment, and better understanding of your project goals.

3. Project Management Support

Our experienced project managers ensure smooth communication, timely delivery, and quality assurance throughout the development lifecycle.

4. Infrastructure and Security

We offer a secure working environment with the latest tools, technologies, and strict data protection policies.

5. Flexible Engagement Models

Whether you need a full-time team, part-time developers, or IT staff augmentation services, we offer flexible engagement models that suit your budget and timelines.

Industries We Serve

Our dedicated software development center services are ideal for a wide range of industries:

Healthcare
Fintech
E-commerce
Real Estate
Logistics
Gaming
Education
Travel & Hospitality

No matter your industry, our team is ready to provide end-to-end support for your software development needs.

How to Setup Offshore Software Development Center with Quytech

Setting up your offshore development centre in India with Quytech is simple and transparent. Here’s a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Share Your Requirements

We begin by understanding your project goals, technical requirements, team size, and budget.

Step 2: Team Selection

Based on your needs, we shortlist and share resumes of top developers. You can interview and choose the best-fit candidates.

Step 3: Setup and Onboarding

We handle the entire onboarding process, from IT infrastructure to workspace and legal documentation.

Step 4: Project Kickoff

Once the team is ready, we start working on your project with regular updates, sprints, and review cycles.

Step 5: Ongoing Support

We ensure ongoing technical support, team management, performance monitoring, and scalability options.

Offshore Development Center vs Traditional Outsourcing

Features	Offshore Development Center	Traditional Outsourcing
Team Ownership	You have full control	Vendor manages the team
Long-term Collaboration	Yes	Usually short-term
Scalability	High	Limited
Cost Transparency	Full	Sometimes hidden charges
Communication	Direct with team	Through vendor only

With a dedicated offshore development center, you get more control, transparency, and flexibility — all essential for long-term business growth.

Why Choose Quytech?

There are many companies offering offshore development services in India, but Quytech stands out due to the following reasons:

15+ Years of Experience in software development and offshore delivery.
500+ Successful Projects delivered across industries.
NDA & IP Protection to ensure your ideas remain safe.
ISO-Certified development practices.
Agile Methodology for faster and flexible development.
Flexible Pricing Models to fit businesses of all sizes.

We’ve helped startups, enterprises, and product companies worldwide scale their development with reliable ODC models. Whether you need a small team or a full-fledged dedicated offshore development center, Quytech is your trusted partner.

Combine ODC with IT Staff Augmentation Services

Need to add temporary resources to your internal team for a short-term project? Our IT staff augmentation services allow you to hire expert developers on-demand without long-term commitments. This is a great way to fill skill gaps while your offshore development center handles core development.

Final Thoughts

If you’re aiming for faster growth, better product quality, and cost-effective software development, choosing offshore development center services is the smart way to go. And when you partner with Quytech, you get a reliable, skilled, and committed team that acts as a true extension of your business.

Whether you’re a startup building your first product or a large enterprise expanding your tech team, Quytech can help you set up an offshore software development center that meets your goals and exceeds your expectations.