EAGLE SCOUT | ISSUE NO. 24-04

NEWS | Privacy concerns lead to removal of smart vending machines at a university

23 Feb 2024

CANADA – Smart vending machines with M&M artwork at the University of Waterloo sparked privacy concerns as students noticed an error message suggesting the presence of facial recognition software. Students questioned the necessity of such technology, prompting the school to request the removal and disabling of the software in the vending machines.  READ MORE

NEWS | Over 200,000 student and parent records exposed in DepEd’s online platform

23 Feb 2024

PHILIPPINES – Over 200,000 student and parent records were left unprotected in DepEd’s Online Voucher Application (OVAP) database. A cybersecurity researcher found the database containing personal data, including names, birthdates, addresses, and financial details, without any password protection. It is unclear how long the data was exposed. READ MORE

NEWS | School shuts down for a week due to cyberattack

22 Feb 2024

UNITED KINGDOM– Personal data of families, students, and teachers were compromised in a cyberattack at the Misbourne School. The attack, caused by ransomware, led to the closure of the school for a week. The school is now working with authorities to notify the affected individuals and ensure online security. READ MORE

NEWS | Students’ health info mistakenly sent to parents, staff, and other students

26 Feb 2024

AUSTRALIA – Around 30 students' personal data, including welfare and health conditions, were mistakenly emailed by a staff member at the Sydney Secondary College's Blackwattle Bay campus to other students, parents, and staff. The school apologized for the error and initiated an investigation, while also providing support to affected individuals. READ MORE

NEWS | Calls made for urgent action over data breaches involving gov’t agencies

29 Feb 2024

PHILIPPINES - Lawmakers are urging a congressional inquiry regarding the multiple hacking incidents involving government agencies that has affected millions of Filipinos. They are calling for urgent action to address vulnerabilities and to protect citizens’ data. They emphasize the importance of data privacy and security to maintain public trust and protect national security. READ MORE