Hackers disabled tracking devices and panic alarms on prison vans

Date:
Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:34:10 +0000

Description:
A huge cyberattack took out security subcontractors tracking devices

FULL STORY ======================================================================
A cyberattack targeted tracking device provider Microlise UK Government contractor Serco affected in the incident Prison van tracking devices and
panic alarms taken offline

A cyberattack targeting telematics and technology solutions firm Microlise
has taken tracking software used for prisoners offline.

The software is used by outsourcing giant Serco to provide protection for employees and to monitor prisoners, keeping track of their whereabouts.

Microlise provides a seamless eco-system around remote assets for operators
to a number of large corporations with lorry fleets, and the attack also affected panic alarms inside Serco prison vans and express mail courier DHL, whose fleets were left without tracking capabilities. Outsourced security

Microlise told the London Stock Exchange it was, working hard to quickly
bring the affected services back online in its notification of the incident. Crews were said to have been sent out without proper security for staff members.

The contingency plans outlined by Serco included crews contacting base every
30 minutes, staff using paper maps and guidance and ensuring mobile devices
are charged.

We are aware that one of our subcontractors has been impacted by a cyber incident. We have put in place mitigation plans and we have continued to provide prisoner escorting services uninterrupted for the Ministry of
Justice, said Serco.

Microlise has since confirmed some systems have now been restored, and that
it has appointed external cybersecurity specialists to fully restore all affected systems.

Serco came under scrutiny earlier in 2024 for failing to fit hundreds of prisoners with electronic tags after they were released early as part of Starmers plan to ease overcrowding. This was not the first time Serco has
been criticised, as a previous tagging scandal led to a Serious Fraud Office investigation.

Serco has a long history of poor performance and negligent conduct on tagging contracts and needs to be held to account by the MoJ [Ministry of Justice]
said Chair of the Justice Select Committee, Andy Slaughter.

Serco holds a number of government contracts, and recently opened Britains first smart prison, HMP Fosse Way. The resettlement prison boasts smart technology such as in-cell devices and robust security, including cutting
edge body scanners to prevent contraband.

Via Financial Times

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/hackers-disabled-tracking-devices-and-panic-alar ms-on-prison-vans

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