Tigo Ransomware Attack Leaves Paraguay’s IT Infrastructure Crippled

Paraguay’s IT infrastructure suffered severe damage after a crippling ransomware attack on Tigo, the nation’s largest telecom carrier.

The ripple effects are widespread, raising concerns about regional cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Local media reports paint a grim picture, with over 300 companies falling victim to the attack’s cascading effects.  Digetic, a tech agency within Paraguay’s military forces, underscored the “significant impact” on backups, web pages, emails and even cloud storage.

Tigo admitted the attack crippled some telecom assets and hampered service delivery to corporate clients. The company, however, refuted claims attributing the attack to the Black Hunt hacking group, insisting that internet and mobile wallet services were not affected.

The attack’s reach is particularly concerning considering Tigo’s massive user base. With over 6 million subscribers, nearly half of Paraguay’s population relies on their services. This makes the disruption a significant hurdle for both individuals and businesses, potentially impeding communication and economic activity.

This incident adds to a growing list of cyberattacks targeting governments and critical infrastructure in the region. Last year, Costa Rica declared a national emergency after a crippling attack. Chile’s military recently issued warnings following similar threats.

Caribbean nations like the Dominican Republic, Trinidad &  Tobago, Bermuda and Martinique have also faced serious cyberattacks in recent years.