Africa-Press – Cape verde. The computer attack that paralyzed services at Cape Verde’s main telecommunications company in October consisted of a ‘ransomware’ breach, a situation in which a system is blocked and a ransom is demanded, the regulatory authority said today.
“We found that this incident was due to a ‘malware’ cyber attack of the ‘lockbit ransomware’ type, known as ‘encryption virus’, which blocked access to data on the operator’s computers and servers”, a source from the Agency explained to Lusa. of Multisectoral Regulation of the Economy (ARME).
Neither that entity nor the communications operator (mobile, fixed, Internet and television) clarified whether any ransom was paid.
“The investigation process is within the jurisdiction of the competent authorities, such as the Judiciary Police and the Public Ministry,” said ARME, in response to questions posed by Lusa, adding that the origin of the attacks remains to be determined.
At the same time as the investigation process, conducted by the authorities, is ongoing, “an administrative investigation process is underway with the operator”, initiated by the state company CV Telecom itself, “with the support of an international entity specialized in cybersecurity”, not specified.
“ARME is currently awaiting the final report of this process, to assess whether or not it is necessary to adopt other measures, in accordance with the law”, concluded the regulatory entity.
The October 19 attack on CV Telecom paralyzed television, telephone (landline and mobile), customer service and text messaging services, some of which only fully recovered after a few days.
Four days later, at a press conference, the operator announced that it had adopted more than 10 measures to reinforce security.
CV Telecom classified the attack as a “criminal act” and the regulatory authority said it had received, “within 48 hours, as required by law”, “detailed” information about the incident.
On November 26, 2020, the State Private Technological Network (RTPE) of Cape Verde had been the victim of a large-scale cyber attack, with data blocking and ransom demand (so-called ‘ransomware’), which forced its temporary suspension of some public services.
At the time, the Government of Cape Verde invested more than 1.8 million euros to strengthen the security of the country’s computer networks.
In July, Cabo Verde Telecom merged the group’s three companies, creating a single brand, called Alou.
The majority of the group’s capital (57.9%) is held by the National Institute of Social Security (INPS), with the state-owned company Aeroportos e Segurança Aérea (20%), Sonangol Cabo Verde (5%), the Cape Verde State -verdiano (3.4%) and other national private shareholders (13.7%).
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