[ISN] Authorities: Hacker Broke Into Emergency Communications System

[InfoSec News]

http://www.nbc4.com/news/5431542/detail.html

November 30, 2005

WASHINGTON -- Authorities said a computer hacker has broken into the
emergency communications system in Prince George's County.

So far, no emergency has been adversely affected by the hacker, News4
reported. But people at the Station 9 firehouse said they are very
concerned that somebody who needs help may not get it.

Authorities said the breach happened early on Friday morning after a
radio transmission said to hold Fire Station 9's units and return all
other units on a full box alarm consisting of seven different fire
stations. A fire chief figured out that it was a fake, and transmitted
the message across the radio network.

There is only one recording of the incident so far, News4 reported,
but firefighters at Station 9 said it's happened at least three other
times.

Also in the last couple of weeks, the same man gave an ambulance crew
responding to an emergency some bogus information.

Authorities said they encourage anyone who has information on who is
behind it all to contact them right away. Fire officials in Prince
George's County said if they catch the person, he will be prosecuted
to the fullest extent of the law.