“Indonesia’s National Data Center Held Hostage by Hackers, Government Refuses $8 Million Ransom Demand”
Indonesia’s National Data Center Cyberattack: Government Refuses to Pay $8 Million Ransom
Indonesia’s national data center has been compromised by a hacking group asking for a $8 million ransom that the government won’t pay, authorities said Monday.
The cyberattack has disrupted services of more than 200 government agencies at both the national and regional levels since June 20, said Samuel Abrijani Pangerapan, the director general of informatics applications with the Communications and Informatics Ministry.
Some government services have returned — immigration services at airports and elsewhere are now functional — but efforts continue at restoring other services such as investment licensing, Pangerapan told reporters.
The attackers have held data hostage and offered a key for access in return for the $8 million ransom, said PT Telkom Indonesia’s director of network & IT solutions, Herlan Wijanarko, without giving further details.
Wijanarko said the company, in collaboration with authorities at home and abroad, is investigating and trying to break the encryption that made data inaccessible.
Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi told journalists that the government won’t pay the ransom. “We have tried our best to carry out recovery while the (National Cyber and Crypto Agency) is currently carrying out forensics,” Setiadi added.
The head of that agency, Hinsa Siburian, said they had detected samples of the Lockbit 3.0 ransomware. This type of malware is known for its ability to encrypt files and demand payment for their release. It’s a worrying trend that has been on the rise globally, with hackers targeting not just businesses but also essential public services.
The Indonesian government’s refusal to pay the ransom is a bold move, but it’s one that many cybersecurity experts recommend. Paying ransoms only encourages hackers to continue their criminal activities and doesn’t guarantee that the data will be released or that the hackers won’t strike again.
Instead, the government is focusing on recovery and prevention. They are working tirelessly to restore services and strengthen their cybersecurity measures to prevent future attacks. It’s a challenging task, but one that is crucial for the safety and security of the country’s data and infrastructure.
The cyberattack on Indonesia’s national data center is a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age. As we become increasingly reliant on technology, we must also be vigilant in protecting our data from those who seek to exploit it.
The Indonesian government’s response to this attack is commendable. By refusing to pay the ransom and focusing on recovery and prevention, they are sending a clear message that they will not be intimidated by cybercriminals. It’s a stance that other governments and organizations can learn from as we all work together to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks.
