A significant data breach has compromised the information of both current and former students within the Victorian government school system. The Victorian Department of Education disclosed on Wednesday that an unauthorized external party gained access to students' names, email addresses, school names, year levels, and encrypted passwords.
However, the breach did not expose sensitive personal details such as dates of birth, phone numbers, or home addresses. The hackers penetrated the system via a school's network. In response, the department is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
A spokesperson emphasized the commitment to student safety and privacy, stating that measures have been implemented to strengthen security, including the temporary suspension of certain systems to prevent further unauthorized access. Collaboration with cybersecurity experts and government agencies is underway, with efforts focused on ensuring a smooth transition for students as they return for the 2026 school year.
There is no indication that the accessed data has been made public or shared with other entities. Parents have been informed of the breach through communications from schools, outlining the nature of the compromised data and the precautions being taken to safeguard their children’s information.