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Key Points:
- The National Insurance Board (NIBTT) in Trinidad and Tobago has been hit with a ransomware attack.
- All offices will be closed from Wednesday to Friday as the organization assesses its systems and works towards a resolution.
- The NIBTT provides cash and check payments to over 40% of the country’s population.
The National Insurance Board (NIBTT) in Trinidad and Tobago has announced that it has fallen victim to a ransomware attack, severely impacting its operations. As a result, all offices will be closed for an indefinite period of time while the organization works to assess and resolve the attack.
The NIBTT is a key government agency responsible for running the nation’s social security system, which serves over 630,000 individuals. It provides cash and check payments to more than 40% of the country’s population, offering insurance against the economic and social distress caused by work-related injuries and other contingencies.
While the NIBTT has not revealed which ransomware group was behind the attack or whether a ransom has been issued, this incident is not the first of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago. In July, the country’s justice department was targeted by a ransomware group, leading to weeks of paralysis in the court system. The attack affected the electronic serving of court documents and hindered access to critical documents and email accounts for lawyers.
Trinidad and Tobago is not alone in facing ransomware attacks in the Caribbean. Other nations such as Bermuda, Martinique, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, and Costa Rica have also experienced attacks in recent times. The damage caused by these incidents has prompted efforts by the United States to expand the Counter Ransomware Initiative to nearly 40 countries and the European Union.
The NIBTT has reported the incident to the Trinidad and Tobago Cyber Security Incident Response Team (TT-CSIRT) and is working with the team towards a resolution. It is essential for organizations in Trinidad and Tobago to take necessary precautions to mitigate against such attacks. This incident highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity infrastructure in the region to defend critical systems against cyber threats.
In conclusion, the ransomware attack on the National Insurance Board in Trinidad and Tobago has severely impacted its operations and led to the closure of its offices. As the organization works towards resolving the attack, it is crucial for other entities in the country to take necessary precautions to protect against ransomware and strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure.
