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Cyber attacker demanded pay ransom in bitcoins – GPL
State-owned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has confirmed that the perpetrators of a cyber attack earlier this month demand payment in bitcoins, a cryptocurrency that is a form of electronic cash.
Hours after Kaieteur News broke yesterday with the story of the attack, the company in a statement disclosed that on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at approximately 04:21hrs, it experienced a cyber-attack on the company’s computerized systems.
Cyber attackers demanded payments in bitcoins to remove a malware from GPL systems, the company confirmed yesterday.
“Upon identification of this cyber-attack, GPL took immediate actions to isolate and prevent further spread of the malware. Permanent corrective measures were taken, which included but was not limited to initiating an information system quarantine.”
GPL said that during the period while it has worked to restore normalcy, there were service interruptions for customers visiting the offices attempting to submit queries and new service applications. This was because the Customer Information System was taken offline.
“Service was incrementally restored at our Commercial Offices and Customer Call Centres between Friday, February 8, and Sunday, February 10.”
GPL said that its prepaid customers were not affected.
“Our prepaid customers were able to purchase tokens during this period as per norm and our electricity supply was not affected by this incident.”
GPL revealed that the perpetrators of this act requested a ransom of bitcoins to remove all encryptions from within the network.
“However, it should be noted that GPL Inc. has not heeded to and will not heed to any such ransom.
GPL said it has commenced the process of strengthening its cyber-attack mitigation measures and Disaster Recovery planning strategies in alignment with industry best practices. It is therefore fitting, that we advise and encourage local companies with computerised systems to review their existing cyber security systems and Disaster Recovery plans also. Sincerest appreciation is extended to public and private entities that offered support and assistance during this period of disruption.”
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