Vermilion Parish Schools in Louisiana Investigate Potential Cyberattack, Networks Taken Offline
On October 7, 2024, the Vermilion Parish School System (VPSS) in Abbeville, Louisiana, was forced to take all its networks and internet services offline following a suspected cyberattack. The system-wide issue has impacted communication and operations across all schools in the district, prompting administrators to assign temporary phone numbers while they work to resolve the problem. The phone lines, which are internet-based, were initially disrupted but have since been restored. In a message shared by Abbeville High School, parents were urged to limit calls to emergencies, with new phone numbers posted on school social media accounts.
An expert team from Baton Rouge has been brought in to investigate the potential compromise and guide the district through the recovery process. Superintendent Tommy Byler confirmed that while there is no concrete timeline for full restoration, the attack was caught early, and the school system is taking a proactive approach to prevent further damage. Officials are working to minimize disruption, though it remains unclear how long the investigation and restoration of services will take. The incident is still under investigation as authorities try to determine the extent and source of the breach.