The Plymouth County Correctional Facility’s computer system was shut down Thursday and in-person inmate visits suspended after a cyber intruder bypassed the jail’s security system and accessed its servers, an official said.
State police, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are investigating the apparent breach, which was detected by the jail’s information technology employees early Thursday morning, according to a spokesperson for Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald Jr.
It was unclear what information the person accessed, if any, according to the spokesperson. The investigation will attempt to determine what the intruder was seeking. The system was immediately shut down and will remain inaccessible until the investigation is complete.
In-person visits have been “paused,” the spokesperson said, because the jail was unable to retrieve security documents clearing individuals for visits.
Lawyers will still be able to visit their clients and inmates still have access to tablets and phones.
“At no time has the physical security of the correctional facility, our staff, detainees or the general public been at risk,” said a statement released by McDonald’s office.
The jail has “no evidence that personal information has been misused,” the statement said, but employees were urged “to remain vigilant by reviewing account statements, monitoring credit reports (and) promptly reporting suspicious activity…”
Andrea Estes can be reached at andrea@plymouthindependent.org.