Hackers breach calvert county emergency alert system, send unauthorized message to residents — Wanted hackers coding virus ransomware using laptops and computers. Cyber attack, system breaking and malware concept.

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD – Authorities in Calvert County are investigating a security breach after the county’s Everbridge emergency notification system was compromised earlier Wednesday.

Officials say an unauthorized message was sent to subscribers before the system was shut down.

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is working with county technology staff to contain the incident and prevent further unauthorized use.

Key Points
• Calvert County’s Everbridge alert system was hacked and used to send an unauthorized message
• The Sheriff’s Office and Technology Services are investigating and restoring system security
• Officials say updates will be shared once the system is fully secured

Unauthorized alert sparks investigation
The breach was reported earlier in the day when residents began receiving unexpected messages from the county’s Everbridge notification platform. The system, designed to deliver emergency alerts, weather warnings, and public safety updates, was quickly taken offline once the issue was discovered.

Officials move to secure system
In a statement, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office said it is working closely with Calvert County Technology Services to resolve the problem and ensure no additional messages are sent without authorization. Officials did not release details about the content of the false alert or how access to the system was gained.

County assures residents system will be restored
Authorities emphasized that the situation poses no direct safety threat to residents but acknowledged the disruption caused by the unauthorized message. The county has pledged to share updates as soon as the system is secure and operational again.

Cybersecurity concerns under review
The incident has raised questions about the vulnerability of local government communication systems, which are relied upon for emergency notifications. County officials said additional security measures will be implemented to prevent future breaches while the investigation continues.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.