DA investigates school district coding scheme

A secret cryptocurrency mining scheme that used Oak Park Unified School District computers could lead to criminal charges.

After being summoned by the school district for investigation, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office submitted the cryptocurrency mining case to the district attorney’s office for review “in connection with the charges against (one of) the suspects,” a law enforcement spokesperson said.

On Nov. 22, OPUSD Superintendent Anaïs Wynn sent a letter to school families informing them that “unauthorized devices” had recently been discovered on the district’s grid and electrical systems.

“While inspecting the equipment, our CTO identified unusual electrical and networking wiring and equipment that appeared out of place,” Wayne wrote. “Further investigation revealed that these devices were part of a cryptocurrency mining operation using the region’s resources without a license.”

The district notified the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, which sent a team from the Financial Crimes Unit to investigate the illicit asset creation project. A spokesman for the DA’s office confirmed receipt of the case from the sheriff and said the timeline for prosecutors’ review of the materials is uncertain.

Wen said there is no indication of any data breach that would compromise student, staff or district information. OPUSD has since strengthened its cybersecurity measures, including by consulting with outside experts to “identify and address potential vulnerabilities,” the superintendent added.

There is no information available about the identity of the suspect.

Cryptocurrency mining generates new units of digital money alternatives, such as Bitcoin, by solving complex mathematical problems that require massive amounts of computing power and electricity. These accounts facilitate transactions on the cryptocurrency network.

The price of Bitcoin has soared since the election of President Donald Trump in November, hitting a new record high of $109,071 on Inauguration Day, January 20. The new administration is seen as friendly to the interests of the cryptocurrency sector, with the president and first chair. Lady recently launched her own virtual tokens.