By Emily Burleigh

The Calcasieu Parish School Board has been the victim of a cyber fraud incident.

“Because we at the Calcasieu Parish School Board believe in full honesty and transparency, we want to make stakeholders aware of a cyber fraud incident involving our district,” CPSB spokesperson Holly Holland said in a statement to the American Press.

The fraud occurred a few months ago. It was a result of the compromised emails of several hurricane-related contractors.

The incident is strictly monetary and did not compromise the data of any student or employee.

An internal investigation was launched immediately, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office was contacted.

“We have an incredible relationship with local law enforcement and are working with them to properly pass this into their capable hands for all legal proceedings,” Holland said. “This is a serious matter that requires our full attention, and we are leaving no stone unturned.”

The criminal investigation is ongoing and will likely continue for an extended period of time. Due to the nature of the case, the School Board is unable to provide any additional information at this time.

However, in order to maintain transparency, the CPSB will provide additional details as soon as they are available.

The School Board will also be updating their cyber security protocols.

“Unfortunately, cyber security is an incredibly common concern across all industries,” Holland said. “We are gaining valuable insight through this experience that we are using to immediately harden our digital walls”

The internal investigation is still ongoing, as is the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s review of all digital safety and security measures. Necessary modification to internal practices will occur as they arise, and the district plans to institute additional education in the internal staff training programs.

The CPSB has made notification to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office, CPSB’s external auditing firm, and the CPSB Cyber-Crime Insurance Carrier.