One of Australia’s largest prisons is hit with a sophisticated cyber attack – as the mysterious group take control of computer systems
- Port Phillip Prison has targeted with cyber ransom attack by anonymous hackers
- Prison in Melbourne’s west has suspended prison visits and ramped-up security
- Facility is the largest prison in Victoria and can accommodate 1,000 inmates
One of Australia’s largest prisons has been targeted by anonymous hackers.
The Port Phillip Prison in Melbourne’s west has been forced to suspend prisoner visits after its computer systems were breached.
It is understood the hackers have taken control of the Truganina jail’s online network prompting management to ramp-up security measures inside the jail.
The Port Phillip Prison in Melbourne’s west (pictured) has been forced to suspend prisoner visits after its computer systems fell victim to a cyber attack
It is understood the hackers have taken control of the Truganina jail’s online network prompting management to ramp-up security measures inside the jail (stock image)
Visits to the prison’s 1,000 inmates, both in-person and via video, have been temporarily suspended as police investigate the cyber attack.
Victoria Police and the State Government’s Cyber Incident Response Team have been notified of the security breach, the Herald Sun reports.
Management has ramped-up security measures in response to the hack to ensure the safety of prison employees and inmates.
While essential calls can be made, phone access has been restricted with only professionals like social workers or lawyers authorised for to enter.
A spokesman for Port Phillip’s operator, G4S, confirmed the prison was being affected by cyber security incident but said prisoners and staff were unaffected.
Victoria’s Corrections, Prison & Parole department said Port Phillip experiencing ‘network issues’ with communications with prisoners limited.
‘We are prioritising urgent welfare concerns,’ a statement on Wednesday said.
‘The prison operator is working to fix these issues as quickly as possible.’
It is understood the hackers have taken control of the Truganina jail’s systems and have demanded the transfer of ransom payments to get it back (pictured, inside the Melbourne jail)
‘Corrections Victoria is currently working with G4S to ensure these issues are resolved as quickly as possible,’ the spokeswoman said.
‘There has been no impact on the safety and security of staff and prisoners.’
Port Phillip Prison is a maximum security jail and Victoria’s largest prison, able to accommodate up to 1,087 prisoners at any given time.
The jail has 13 accommodation units with each cell fitted with a shower, hand basin, toilet, desk, chair, television, kettle, storage shelves, intercom and a bed.
The facility also has a 20-bed inpatient hospital unit.
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