‘Privacy does not happen on its own’: Report makes recommendations after mass student data breach
A damning report has concluded that school boards in the Greater Toronto Area failed to implement reasonable measures to protect student information, leading to a significant data breach. The investigation, led by the Information and Privacy Commissioner, was initiated after a cyber incident exposed the personal data of thousands of students.
Key Findings of the Investigation
The report, released on November 18, 2025, details how the lack of adequate security protocols made the school systems vulnerable. It found that the boards did not have sufficient safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive student records. This failure highlights a systemic issue in how educational institutions manage and protect digital information.
The core finding is that privacy does not happen on its own; it requires deliberate and sustained effort. The commissioner's office stressed that organizations, especially those handling children's data, must be proactive, not reactive, in their approach to cybersecurity.
Recommendations for a Safer Future
In response to the findings, the report lays out a series of actionable recommendations. These are designed to prevent a similar incident from occurring and to rebuild trust with parents and students. The key recommendations include:
- Implementing mandatory, robust data encryption for all stored student information.
- Conducting regular, independent security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Establishing comprehensive training programs for all staff on data privacy and security best practices.
The report serves as a stark warning to all public sector organizations about the critical importance of investing in and prioritizing data security. The hope is that these recommendations will lead to stronger protections for student privacy across the province and the country.
