Welcome to this week’s Weekly Round-Up, where we explore critical developments in the world of cybersecurity. From regulatory changes and massive data breaches to international cyber threats and groundbreaking initiatives, this week has been packed with significant updates. So buckle up and let’s examine these events in depth.

This week on our round-up, we delve into significant developments in the world of cybersecurity, including a pivotal executive orders in the 11th hour, strategic industry partnerships that will shake up the industry, several intensive and critical data breaches, and further advancements in cybersecurity frameworks. Discover how these moves will impact your business and the security ecosystem as a whole.

In January 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced new cybersecurity regulations targeting the telecommunications sector. These measures aim to address the escalating number of cyberattacks and enhance the security of communications infrastructure that millions of individuals and businesses rely on daily. Here we delve into the regulatory changes, the incidents that prompted them, and their implications for the industry, consumers, and corporations both in the USA and on a global scale.

In the final days of 2024, PowerSchool, a leading provider of cloud-based software for K-12 education, experienced a critical cybersecurity breach that rocked the Education Industry across North America. Threat actors gained unauthorized access to the PowerSource customer support portal using compromised credentials between December 22 and 28. Leveraging a maintenance tool accessible through the portal, attackers exfiltrated sensitive data from PowerSchool's Student Information System (SIS).

As a trusted partner for thousands of schools across North America, PowerSchool's breach had widespread ramifications, notably affecting educational institutions in both Canada and the USA from coast to coast. The exposed data included personally identifiable information (PII) of students and educators, encompassing names, addresses, Social Security Numbers (SSNs), and potentially sensitive records such as academic performance and medical histories.

The past week has brought a series of significant developments in cybersecurity, ranging from high-profile breaches to pivotal regulatory actions. Below, we break down the most critical events, their consequences, and key takeaways for organizations and individuals alike.

This week in cybersecurity brings a mix of alarming incidents, legal battles, and critical warnings. From phishing campaigns and data breaches to unconventional device hacks and nation-state cyber disputes, the world of cybersecurity never fails to entertain.

Below, we break down the key stories, their implications, and actionable steps to stay protected from even the most unnexpected attacks.