# Hackers steal California students' data in massive breach

> Hackers stole personal data of millions of California students in a breach dating back to 2006.
- Title: Hackers steal California students' data in massive breach
- Summary: Hackers stole personal data of millions of California students in a breach dating back to 2006. Hackers accessed student records from California's education…
- Keywords: california, students, data breach, education, hackers, ets, student records, identity theft, security breach, public schools, standardized tests, smarter balanced tests
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/hackers-steal-personal-data-of-millions-of-california-students-in-massive-breach
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: california, students, data breach, education, hackers, ets, student records, identity theft, security breach, public schools, standardized tests, smarter balanced tests
## Data breach affects millions
Hackers stole names, addresses, and disability records of millions of current and former california public school students.
## Breach dates back to 2006
The compromised data affects students from 2006 enrollments through current 5.7 million public school students.
## ETS data compromised
Educational Testing Service or ETS, which provides testing services for california public schools, was breached.
## Information exposed
Student grade level, date of birth, school, district, gender, race, ethnicity, language, country of origin, english learner status, and disability records were exposed.
## No financial data exposed
Social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, financial accounts, credit cards, and passwords were not exposed.
## Hack discovered in 2026
ETS discovered the hack on sept 25, 2.
## Breach timeline
An unauthorized party used a compromised login credential to access the site between may 22 and september 18, 2026.
## Cybersecurity expert concerns
A cybersecurity expert warned that one compromised login credential could lead to months of access to millions of student records.
## ETS security response
ETS implemented enhanced monitoring, strengthened access controls, and third-party security reviews to address the breach.
## Identity theft protection
Affected former students are eligible for 24 months of free identity protection and identity restoration services.
## Parent warnings
Parents should be cautious of unexpected emails, phone calls, or text messages related to the incident.
## Key takeaway

Hackers accessed student records from California's education system, affecting millions of students and former students.