Major Hack Leaves Several LATAM Governments and Companies in the Dark

Several Latin American governments and enterprises were left in the dark after one of the region’s bigger providers of web hosting services was hit by a massive hack.

The ransomware attack took place on September 12 and targeted US-based company IFX Networks, which provides service to companies and governments in 18 countries from the region.

Colombia, Chile and Panama were the territories most affected  by the hit. At least 30 government websites were shut down in Colombia alone. Colombia’s ITC Minister Mauricio Lizcano assured that 762 organizations (public and private) in the region felt the effects of the hack.

Ransomware attackers typically encrypt or steal data and then demand a ransom payment in exchange for decrypting the data or not releasing it.

IFX Networks stated that, as of this Friday, it managed to recuperate 90% of the data from affected parties, claiming that 100% recovery would be achieved by the end of the week.

Cyberattacks of this kind are becoming increasingly common in Latin America. Just a few months ago, the Costa Rican government declared a state of emergency after a similar ransomware attack crippled the country’s e-governance system.