The FBI is investigating two cyberattacks on Proviso High School District 209 in Illinois, involving fraudulent wire transfers totaling over $4.9 million. The first attack occurred on April 4, 2024, resulting in a $949,062.42 loss, and the second on June 14, 2024, with $3,993,114.61 stolen. The district, having learned of the incident on June 21, 2024, is cooperating with authorities, including the Proviso Township Treasurer’s Office and its insurance provider, to recover the stolen funds.
The attacks involved the creation of a fake internet account posing as Gilbane Building Company, which the district had dealings with for facility upgrades. The fraudulent transfers were redirected to a third-party account rather than the intended recipient. As of July 3, 2024, $3,062,637.75 of the lost funds have been recovered, leaving $1,879,539.28 still unaccounted for.
The district’s administrative team acted promptly upon discovering the breach, involving the FBI and filing a police report with the Forest Park Police Department. There is no evidence of additional compromised accounts, but the district is enhancing its security measures and updating protocols for wire transfers to prevent future incidents.
The ongoing investigation is led by the Chicago Field Division of the FBI. The district remains hopeful for the full recovery of the remaining funds and is focused on strengthening its technological defenses to safeguard against future attacks.
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