SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Public Schools is warning that a data breach occurring in late September may have compromised student and staff information, but the district has provided limited details about the scope of the incident.
Cybersecurity experts say hackers who gain access to email addresses and personal data typically pursue multiple avenues to profit from the breach, even if they cannot directly steal money from the school district.
“Unfortunately, if they got emails out of that data, they can send out phishing emails to try and put ransomware on their system. It might be on somebody’s system and they want them to pay $500 bucks,” said Stu Steiner, director of Eastern Washington University’s Cybersecurity Institute.
Phishing emails are often designed to appear as though they came from trusted sources—banks, employers, or other familiar organizations—to trick recipients into downloading malware by clicking a link or providing sensitive information.
Steiner outlined several strategies to identify phishing attempts and protect your personal data. He recommends being cautious when receiving unexpected emails, particularly those requesting urgent action or personal information.
“You’ll get an email from a website you don’t recognize, maybe it’s from your bank and you’re wondering why they’re sending you that. Be very vigilant, try not to click on links in emails just type the URL into the search box,” Steiner said.
Most computers come with antivirus software pre-installed, and internet service providers typically offer additional programs to identify malicious websites. Steiner recommends checking your computer’s antivirus program to ensure it is current and running the latest updates.
Beyond protecting your devices, Steiner strongly encourages people affected by data breaches to take proactive steps with their financial accounts. He recommends placing a credit freeze on your credit report, a process that is free and can prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.
“I would encourage everyone to do a credit freeze. Because a credit freeze is free, and if you apply for a credit card, you have to take it off so they can approve you. But that way your credit report doesn’t get anything on there without you knowing about it,” Steiner said.
Steiner notes that data breaches are a persistent problem in Washington state, with dozens occurring annually. Staying informed and taking preventive measures are essential steps for protecting yourself in an increasingly digital world.
For those concerned about whether their information was compromised in the Spokane Public Schools breach, cybersecurity websites allow you to check if your data has been exposed in known breaches.
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