Otjiwarongo municipality hit by cyberattack, ransom demanded
The Otjiwarongo municipality has fallen victim to a ransomware attack, with hackers allegedly stealing sensitive data and demanding payment. Authorities have not disclosed the ransom amount.
The Otjiwarongo municipality fell victim to a cybersecurity breach on Wednesday, with early evidence suggesting possible data theft and a ransom demand from a cybercriminal group known as INC Ransom.
The breach was flagged by threat intelligence sources, prompting a swift response from the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), which operates under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).
According to Emilia Nghikembua, CEO and head of NAM-CSIRT, the attack may involve data exfiltration, a process where information is illegally accessed and extracted.
The breach was accompanied by a ransom demand, though authorities did not disclose the amount.
“Given the sensitivity of the matter, NAM-CSIRT has notified the municipality and recommended immediate containment measures,” Nghikembua said. These include data mapping to assess the scope of exposure and isolating affected systems.
CRAN confirmed that a formal investigation into the incident has been launched, with authorities working to determine how far-reaching the breach is and whether any sensitive municipal or personal data has been compromised.
The breach was flagged by threat intelligence sources, prompting a swift response from the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), which operates under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).
According to Emilia Nghikembua, CEO and head of NAM-CSIRT, the attack may involve data exfiltration, a process where information is illegally accessed and extracted.
The breach was accompanied by a ransom demand, though authorities did not disclose the amount.
“Given the sensitivity of the matter, NAM-CSIRT has notified the municipality and recommended immediate containment measures,” Nghikembua said. These include data mapping to assess the scope of exposure and isolating affected systems.
CRAN confirmed that a formal investigation into the incident has been launched, with authorities working to determine how far-reaching the breach is and whether any sensitive municipal or personal data has been compromised.
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