A nationwide data breach of a school software provider has apparently also hit several school boards in the NWT.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment reported the incident of the PowerSchool system breach on Thursday evening, explaining that an unauthorized party got a hold of customer data using a compromised credential. The breach was not within the GNWT's network, it adds.

The breach affects students and their families, ranging from kindergarten to Grade 12, added the release. Information stored within PowerSchool includes names, addresses, phone numbers for students, parents and teachers. It also includes student medical information.

"As soon as PowerSchool learned of the incident, they immediately engaged their cybersecurity response protocols. PowerSchool has implemented enhanced security measures and confirmed that the breach has been contained," the department stated.

The theft includes records from the Beaufort Delta Division Education Council, Dehcho Divisional Education Council, South Slave Divisional Education Council, Yellowknife Catholic Schools and Yellowknife Education District No. 1, according to the GNWT. There was no indication about whether the Sahtu Divisional Educational Council or the Francophone school board, CSFTNO, were hit.

An internal email sent to parents and guardians from Adam Murray, superintendent of Yellowknife Catholic Schools, explained there was a cybersecuirty incident with the school's software provider.

The Office of the Chief Information Officer is now investigating within the NWT, according to the territory. Staff and students within the impacted education bodies will receive information from their education body as well as more updates once more information becomes available.