INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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 aknowledge of the JPay system and multiple actions by every inmate who exploited the system 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.
