FL Department Of Education Investigating Data Breach: What To Know

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida Department of Education on Thursday announced it is responding to a data breach involving unauthorized criminal access to department information.

State education officials issued a statement saying the department immediately activated its cybersecurity response protocols after discovering the threat, taking steps to stop the unauthorized activity, contain the breach and secure its systems.

The department did not specify what information may have been compromised, how many people could be affected or when the unauthorized access occurred.

Officials said the department has notified the Florida Attorney General's Office of the breach, as required under Florida Statute 501.171, which governs the security of personal information.

The Florida Department of Education is also working with the Florida Digital Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in responding to the incident.

"The Department remains committed to transparency and will provide additional information as verified details become available," the agency said in its statement.

The department pointed out that it has established a webpage dedicated to the data breach, where additional information may be made available as the investigation continues.