Victorian traffic cameras infected with computer virus but all fines will remain

UPDATE: A memory stick and “human error” have been blamed for the ransomware computer virus that infected dozens of Victorian traffic cameras.

More than 50 intersection and highway cameras have been infected with a computer virus. Picture: Mark Scott

MORE than 50 speed and red-light cameras have been infected with a computer virus but the State Government says all infringement notices issued will remain.

The Department of Justice and Regulation has confirmed 55 intersection and highway cameras statewide have been infected with WannaCry ransomware.

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The ransomware, which this week caused an entire Honda car plant to shut down, is often spread via cyber attack.

But the department says the virus was caused by “human error” after mistakenly being introduced by a contractor.

The Herald Sun was told that each camera was corrupted by an infected USB.

All cameras remain online and all infringement notices issued will remain.

Justice and Regulation spokesman Michael Newhouse said a system patch has been applied, which prevents the spread of the virus, which was discovered late last week.

All the affected cameras remain online and infringement notices will still remain. Picture: Paul Loughnan

“The department is in the process of removing the virus from the affected cameras,” he said.

“The remaining sites will be rectified in the next couple of days.”

Mr Newhouse said the software virus has not impacted the accuracy of the camera system.

“While the software virus has impacted 55 camera sites, it has not caused any damage to these sites or the system more broadly,” he said.

“All 55 cameras have been operating correctly and accurately during this period.

“The system has robust processes in place to ensure incidents like this cannot impact the rest of the camera network.”

Victoria Police spokeswoman Belinda Batty said it was aware of allegations of an apparent speed and red light camera cyber-attack.

“We have been in discussion with DOJR and independent operators in relation to these claims,” she said.

“Our advice at this stage is that a software virus has been detected; however, the camera system has not been compromised.

“We will look into all incidents detected by the speed and red light cameras during the time in question as a matter of course.

“The integrity of the camera system has not been affected.”

As requested by the Minister for Police, this matter will be referred to the Road Safety Camera Commissioner to investigate.

If the Road Safety Camera Commissioner’s investigation finds that people have been incorrectly fined, in line with normal practices, those fines will be withdrawn.

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@AndyJeffo