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Officials are investigating a cybersecurity incident at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
A “criminal cybersecurity event” was discovered at the Williamsburg facility around July 14, according to a release, when jail authorities became aware of disruptions to the computer systems. The jail is at 9320 Merrimac Trail.
Outside cybersecurity experts were immediately called in and asked to investigate The incident “did not disrupt the safety or security of VPRJ’s facilities. Our systems are currently secure, and our operations have returned to normal.”
Due to the nature of the event, it’s possible that personal information — including addresses, driver’s license numbers and Social Security numbers — might have been accessed or acquired by the perpetrators.
“Basic health information the jail uses to maintain the safety of our facilities for our inmates may also have been impacted,” the jail noted.
This includes vaccination status, certain health conditions or the need for health accommodations.
In response to the incident, the jail is making complimentary identity monitoring available for those who would like to enroll.
The jail is working with state and federal law enforcement, including the FBI’s Cyber Crimes Division, the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Cyber Fusion Center of the Virginia State Police.
As a result of the incident, VPRJ implemented new cybersecurity safeguards, the jail said. For more information, visit the VPRJ website.
