Posted on 07/29/2018 8:58:53 AM PDT by TaxPayer2000
Inmates in Idaho successfully hacked the software of the prison-issued tablets to issue themselves nearly a quarter of a million dollars in credits on the devices that are often one of their only connections to the outside world. The tablets, made by prominent prison vendor JPay, give inmates the ability to use email, listen to music and transfer money, among other basic computing functions, but charge fees for some services.
The Associated Press reports that Idaho prison officials discovered 364 inmates leveraging a software vulnerability to increase their JPay account balances. In Idaho, the devices are the result of a partnership between JPay and CenturyLink. The latter company confirmed the software vulnerability but declined to offer further details beyond stating that it had since been resolved.
Of the 364 inmates exploiting JPay, 50 inmates were able to issue themselves credits for more than $1,000. One inmate was able to use the software flaw to self-issue a credit of almost $10,000. The company has recovered about a quarter of the total of around $225,000 so far and has suspended some functions for inmates until they reimburse the stolen credits.
“This conduct was intentional, not accidental. It required a knowledge of the JPay system and multiple actions by every inmate who exploited the system’s vulnerability to improperly credit their account,” Idaho Department of Correction spokesperson Jeff Ray said in a statement on the JPay incident.
The individuals exploiting the JPay system are incarcerated at a handful of Idaho prisons, including Idaho State Correctional Institution, Idaho State Correctional Center, South Idaho Correctional Institution, Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino and a private Correctional Alternative Placement Plan building.
On its website, JPay describes itself as a “highly trusted name in corrections because we offer a fast and secure method of sending money,” which seems up for debate given the recent turn of events. The company has a presence in prisons across 35 states.
Confiscate them. All of them.
skills.
Why do convicted criminals have access to fhe internet in the first place? Aren’t they being punished?
“This conduct was intentional, not accidental.” “..Idaho Department of Correction spokesperson Jeff Ray.”
How long did it take this genius to figure that out?
Three hots and a cot. Maybe TV.
Not to worry, electronic voting machines simply can’t be hacked...
PBS. It’s the only way they’ll learn.
“This conduct was intentional, not accidental. It required a knowledge of the JPay system and multiple actions by every inmate who exploited the system’s vulnerability to improperly credit their account,”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
“I didn’t mean anything by my actions.
I innocently filled out a form for an online credit account and they gave it to me”
“What did you fill out for income?”
“I think I put in 100000 annual BUT I just ‘knew’ no one would believe me”
“What about the part where it says if you are lying on the form you are subject to imprisonment”
“HA HA...I am already here so that couldn’t apply to me”
“Well, it is obvious my client didn’t know what he was doing.
Your honor, I am new at this Public Defender stuff, do you or your clerk sign this voucher so I can get paid?”
I love a good prisoners outsmart prison guards story.
I think it’s a great idea to have tablets. Make them play my little pony and smurf sim.
Because they are basic communication and learning tools.
If you want your prisoners to have some skill besides crime to support themselves upon release, it’s a good idea to let them use computers.
More disturbing is the real-money credit system for this and the profit motive inherent in it. Profit and prisons are an incredibly dangerous mix.
Well, what do you expect? people act according to their nature.
Why in hell are they giving inmates computers of any kind?
Securus Technologies not so secure.
Give 'em the Nelson Mandela treatment (28 years here).
Why are they given tablets? Did they expect convicted felons serving time to be honest?
I think whatever money the inmates hacked should be taken out of the paychecks of those that created this problem as a punishment, for in this case the real crime here is stupidity.
And Cuomo’s going to give tablets to all the inmates in NY State prisons. Sure makes me glad I’m retired, and won’t have to deal with any of this crap.
Just noticed that it’s the same company providing the tablets to New York State’s convicts.
MANY citizens cannot afford to buy tablets yet inmates are given them WTH?
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