The Independent Patriots for Change and the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters are calling on the Namibian government to provide details on a recent ransomware attack on the Namibian Defence Force. The attack, which occurred last Saturday, was reported by The Namibian last week. Cybercrime group RansomHouse claimed responsibility for the hack, stating that it had encrypted the NDF's computer systems and published an 'evidence pack' as proof.
IPC shadow minister of defence and veterans affairs Aloisius Kangulu expressed concerns about the potential implications of the attack, citing the sensitive nature of the information held by the NDF. He emphasized that any compromise of the NDF's systems could have far-reaching consequences beyond a typical cybersecurity incident. Kangulu stressed the need for properly funded cybersecurity structures, continuous monitoring, and better coordination between defence, intelligence, law enforcement, and cybersecurity authorities.
The Namibian Defence Force holds information on personnel, administration, logistics, communications, and other defence-related activities. Kangulu's concerns are echoed by NEFF deputy president Kalimbo Iipumbu, who questioned the government's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberthreats. Iipumbu called on Defence Minister Frans Kapofi and Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus to explain the extent of the attack and whether sensitive information was at risk.
Minister Kapofi previously stated that he was unaware of the attack's extent and had only been informed that the ministry was experiencing difficulties accessing some information. Iipumbu demanded answers on whether the NDF had been compromised and whether sensitive or classified information was at risk. He emphasized that the NDF's systems are critical to national security and that any compromise raises serious questions about the protection of sensitive information.
The Namibia Cybersecurity Incident Response Team confirmed that it had detected unauthorized activity on the defence ministry's computer network. Nam-CSIRT is working with the ministry to investigate the attack, provide technical support, and restore affected systems. The team is also reviewing the incident to determine the extent of the damage and prevent similar attacks in the future.
Iipumbu called on the government to explain what systems or information may have been accessed and whether the NDF has a dedicated cybersecurity team. He also questioned the role of Nam-CSIRT in responding to the attack and urged the government to take immediate action to secure potentially affected systems. The NEFF deputy president emphasized that national security cannot be left to chance and that the government must take urgent action to protect critical state institutions.
The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of Namibia's critical government infrastructure to cyberattacks. The government faces pressure to provide transparency and take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The IPC and NEFF are demanding answers on the government's response to the attack and its plans to enhance cybersecurity measures.
Key points
- The Namibian government is under pressure to provide details on a recent ransomware attack on the Namibian Defence Force.
- The attack has raised concerns about the vulnerability of Namibia's critical government infrastructure to cyberattacks.
- The IPC and NEFF are demanding answers on the government's response to the attack and its plans to enhance cybersecurity measures.
