Major Cyberattack Hits Tonga’s Ministry of Health: Website and IT Systems Compromised

Tonga’s health sector is facing serious challenges after a ransomware attack disrupted its National Health Information System. This attack, which came to light on June 15, has completely knocked out digital records crucial for patient care.

The Ministry of Health shared details about the cyberattack, explaining how it impacted their website and essential services. Health Minister Ana ‘Akau’ola informed parliament that a ransomware group had targeted the system, demanding a hefty ransom to restore it. She learned of the situation earlier that week and quickly sought help from cybersecurity experts from Australia.

In a subsequent press conference, ‘Akau’ola highlighted the significance of the National Health Information System. This system not only records patient histories and medical prescriptions but is also vital for day-to-day operations in Tonga’s hospitals. Patients rely on it for treatments and health monitoring, making its failure particularly concerning.

Initially, health officials reached out to an IT contractor in Fiji, who confirmed the ransomware breach. This system was first implemented in 2019 as part of Tonga’s initiative to digitize government records.

With the system down, the Ministry of Health advised residents to bring their prescription cards to appointments, as doctors currently lack access to essential medical records. Tonga, with a population of around 100,000 spread across 171 islands, has four hospitals: Vaiola, Prince Wellington Ngu, Niu’ui, and Niu’eki. As of Friday, the Ministry’s website was still out of operation.

No group has claimed responsibility for this attack yet. Interestingly, a similar incident affected Palau’s Ministry of Health just three months ago, signaling a troubling trend in the Pacific region. In 2023, Tonga’s state-owned telecommunications suffered a significant breach by the Medusa ransomware gang, a group known for targeting critical infrastructure across multiple sectors.

Ransomware attacks are on the rise. A recent report shows such attacks increased by over 40% in the last year alone, affecting various organizations worldwide, including hospitals and government agencies. This trend raises important questions about cybersecurity management in public sectors, particularly in smaller nations like Tonga.

Keeping digital health records safe is crucial, especially as more countries embrace technology. Improving cybersecurity and digital infrastructure is essential for protecting sensitive information and ensuring that healthcare systems can respond adequately, even in crises. Findings like these remind us of the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard our vital services.



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