No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimeCyberattacks on Costa Rican Institutions Raise Concerns

Cyberattacks on Costa Rican Institutions Raise Concerns

Costa Rica’s public and private sectors have come under siege from a wave of cyberattacks, with authorities scrambling to address the threats. The most recent victim is the General Directorate of Migration (DGME), whose website has been disabled for 72 hours following a targeted attack.

Despite the disruption, the DGME reassured the public that critical operations, such as airport and border post processes, remain unaffected. Regular services, including passport issuance and Migratory Identity Documents for Foreigners (DIMEX), are still running smoothly. Since November 19, the institution has faced repeated cyberattacks, prompting the implementation of enhanced security protocols across all its systems and equipment.

A Rising Wave of Cyber Threats

The DGME attack is just one of many recent incidents. Costa Rica’s Petroleum Refinery (RECOPE) revealed an attempted ransomware attack on its systems six days ago. Grupo Repretel, a prominent media outlet, also disclosed that it was targeted by an international hacking organization over the weekend.

Repretel acted quickly, disconnecting systems to prevent severe damage to its servers. “Our Operations and IT departments immediately activated security protocols to mitigate the impact,” the company stated. Reports have since been filed with the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ), and authorities are actively investigating.

The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications (Micitt) confirmed connections between the attacks on RECOPE and Repretel, hinting at a coordinated effort. National Security Director Gezer Molina stated that the investigation is ongoing, with attackers reportedly demanding $5 million to decrypt RECOPE’s data. This ransom demand could escalate, according to Molina.

Minister Paula Bogantes Zamora firmly stated the government’s stance: “Costa Rica will not pay a single colón to release the encrypted information.” Authorities suspect the attackers are part of an active cybercriminal group operating across Latin America, including Mexico. However, the group’s identity remains unknown.

Trending Now

El Salvador Schools Enforce Military-Style Uniform Inspections

El Salvador's public schools will start enforcing daily inspections for students' uniforms and haircuts from August 20, as ordered by the new education minister,...

Costa Rica’s Tourism Sector Alarmed Over Rising Violence and U.S. Criticism

Tourism leaders in Costa Rica are warning that rising crime and international criticism could damage the country’s reputation as one of Latin America’s safest...

President Chaves Downplays Costa Rica’s Security Crisis Amid Record Homicides

President Rodrigo Chaves brushed off concerns about Costa Rica's surging violence during his Wednesday press conference, insisting the security situation "is not as serious"...

Costa Rica Replaces One-Lane Bridges as Traffic and Population Grow

As the infrastructure of Costa Rica advances, with new four-lane highways and a series of bypasses around San José that avoid the narrow, congested...

Panama Canal Warns of Traffic Decline as Economic Uncertainty Grows

The Panama Canal will take in about $400 million less in the next fiscal year due to a drop in ship traffic caused by...

The Most Clueless Gringo in Costa Rica: A Satirical Take on Expat Life

If part of your online day includes mindless scrolling through reels, you’ve probably seen the Dos Equis beer parody commercials. The original ads featured the...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica