Cyber Attack Compromises Indonesia Data Center: Ransom Demanded

The communications minister of Indonesia was quoted by state news agency Antara as saying on Monday that a cyber attacker had hacked into the nation's national data center and demanded an $8 million ransom.

The attack knocked out some government services, most notably at airports last week, but the communications ministry said on Monday that automated machines are now working.

Without providing any additional details, Minister Budi Arie Setiadi stated that the attacker utilized a brand-new variant of previously known malicious software dubbed Lockbit 3.0.

Ransomware, a type of malicious cyber software, is infamously used by the Lockbit cybercriminal organization to digitally extort its victims. The data of the victims is encrypted when ransomware is used. In exchange for payments, which are typically made in cryptocurrency and can amount to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, hackers can offer a key. In an effort to exert pressure on the individual or organization, hackers may then threaten to leak or delete confidential data if the victim resists. Digital forensics into the investigation are currently underway, according to a communications ministry official named Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, but no additional details have been discovered.

Source - https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/cyber-attack-compromised-indonesia-data-centre-ransom-sought-report/111227576