Major Data Breach Hits Pearland Independent School District

• The Pearland Independent School District has suffered a significant data breach affecting 55,486 individuals; compromised data includes names, dates of birth, addresses, and social security numbers.
• The District has responded by implementing additional technical security measures, providing victims with complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services, and promising to maintain transparent communication with all parties involved.

Pearland, Texas – Pearland Independent School District, one of the largest education institutions in the city, has suffered a significant data breach, as per a formal notification submitted to the Maine Attorney General Office. The hack has reportedly affected 55,486 individuals, including students, staff, and parents.

Pearland Independent School District, headquartered at 1928 N. Main Street, first noticed unusual activity within their network between October 25 and November 8, 2022. The breach was officially confirmed on May 18, 2023. Independent cybersecurity experts were quickly engaged to investigate the incident and secure the affected systems.

The notification letter to the attorney general’s office, written by the district’s counsel Maria Efaplomatidis from Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP, stated, “On November 8, 2022, Pearland ISD became aware of unusual activity within its network environment. In response, Pearland ISD took immediate steps to secure its systems.”

Investigations revealed that certain unauthorized individuals accessed or acquired personal data. On April 18, 2023, it was confirmed that private information associated with certain individuals related to Pearland ISD was likely compromised. The breached information includes names, dates of birth, addresses, and social security numbers.

The School District’s response team worked diligently to evaluate potentially impacted information, confirm the identities of affected individuals, and set up complimentary services. These services, provided through IDX, include complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection to help victims guard against potential fallout from the breach.

While Pearland ISD states they have no current evidence of misuse or attempted misuse of personal information involved in the incident, they have taken significant steps to ensure a similar future incident does not occur. This includes implementing additional technical security measures throughout their systems.

Pearland ISD emphasized its commitment to protecting the information under its control, pledging to keep all affected parties updated on the progress and resolution of this incident. Those with further questions are encouraged to reach out directly to Ms. Efaplomatidis at MEfaplomatidis@Constangy.com.