Indonesia Recovers Data from Major Ransomware Attack Affecting Over 160 Government Agencies
Indonesia begins data recovery from a ransomware attack impacting 160+ government agencies. Attackers demanded $8 million but later released the decryption key for free.
Indonesia, Bollywood Fever: Indonesia has begun recovering data that was encrypted during a major ransomware attack last month, affecting more than 160 government agencies. According to Singapore-based cybersecurity firm StealthMole, the attackers, known as Brain Cipher, initially demanded an $8 million ransom to unlock the data but later apologized and provided the decryption key for free.
The attack disrupted numerous government services, including immigration and operations at major airports. Indonesian officials admitted that most of the affected data had not been backed up.
Chief Security Minister Hadi Tjahjanto announced on Thursday that data for 30 public services managed by 12 ministries had been recovered using a “decryption strategy,” though details of this strategy were not provided.
“The communications ministry is using a decryption strategy to recover services or assets from ministries, state agencies, and regional governments that are affected. We are handling this gradually,” the statement read.
It remains unclear whether the government utilized Brain Cipher’s decryption key. Both Hadi and Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Ransomware attackers typically use software to encrypt data and then demand payment to restore it. In this case, Indonesia reported that the attack involved malicious software known as Lockbit 3.0.
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