Bermuda Government hit by cyberattack

The Bermuda Government is still struggling to restore service after a cyberattack penetrated “ the very heart of Bermuda’s public service” last week.

The Cabinet was due to meet this morning and a press conference is scheduled for 3pm Bermuda time today.

According to Walter Roban, the Acting Premier, emergency services were not affected by the attack, which began at 10pm on Wednesday.

He said on Friday: “I can advise that from a national security perspective 911 system has not been disrupted and there are no expected delays in responses by emergency services.

“There are no operational disruptions to Customs, Corrections, the Regiment or the Police.”

He said that motorists were able to license vehicles online while the Transport Control Department was able to process driving, riding and vehicle exams manually.

The courts were also expected to operate as usual, with cashiers processing payments manually, although Supreme Court hearings were expected to be “limited”.

Roban told the House of Assembly on Friday night that: “I do not want people to underestimate some of the sensitive security issues and international issues around this matter.

Mr Roban said: “The very heart of public service has been attacked and immobilised.”

Earlier, Premier David Burt had said: “The Government is experiencing some challenges with our IT systems.

“There has been an incident, which is affecting not only the Bermuda Government but some other regional governments as well.

“Our initial indication is it’s come from an external source, most likely from Russia, and we are working with agencies to make sure that we can identify any particular challenges and make sure that services are restored as quickly as possible.”

However, the Governor, Rena Lalgie, later warned against making premature judgments on who was responsible.

She said in a statement: “Bermuda’s government IT systems were subjected to a major cyberattack. That incident is ongoing.

“Whilst there was an early indication of the geographical source of that attack, any further speculation on the possible source or motivation for the attack would be unhelpful.

“I can confirm that the UK’s National Cybersecurity Centre and the National Crime Agency are aware of the incident, have been in contact with the Bermuda authorities, and are providing advice to support them.

“The Bermuda authorities are also receiving support from a range of commercial partners.”

She added: “Government will advise on the ongoing impacts to services of this attack on a regular basis.

“I am working with the Acting Premier, Cabinet and the Bermuda Police Service to support the immediate response.”

International business and Bermuda banks have been assisting with the response. Many Bermuda re/insurance companies offer cyberattack insurance and reinsurance.

It was not known today if the Government has cyber insurance cover.

Burt has been criticised for leaving the island in the wake of the attack.

Burt, whose background is in information technology, reportedly went to Washington, DC to attend a meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus.

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, One Bermuda Alliance Senator Douglas De Couto said: “In light of the recent cyberattack that impacted and took government infrastructure offline, the public deserve answers.

“We need to know which essential services have been affected and the extent of this impact.

“What exactly did this cyberattack compromise and whose private data may have been breached or lost?

“The island has been met with nothing but silence and this is no way to run a government.

“It’s clear Premier David Burt and the PLP government have checked out.”

According to a statement from Mr Rabain, work-permit applications at the Department of Immigration were being collected and a drop box was being collected throughout Friday.

LF Wade International Airport was also fully operational, although passenger processing is being carried out manually and all passengers has to complete arrival cards upon landing.