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BVIEC falls victim to cyber-attack

- electricity company’s internal & external operations affected
August 19th, 2024 | Tags: BVIEC cyber attack electricity law enforcement
The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has confirmed that the company has been a victim of a cyber-attack that has affected its internal and external operations. Photo: VINO/File
The press release by the BVI Electricity Corporation confirming the cyber attack. Photo: BVIEC
The press release by the BVI Electricity Corporation confirming the cyber attack. Photo: BVIEC
LONG BUSH, Tortola, VI- The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has confirmed that the company has been a victim of a cyber-attack that has affected its internal and external operations.

In a press release today, August 19, 2024, the electricity company said they have partnered with third parties including subject experts and law enforcement in both the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom all in “a focused effort to return to normal operations as soon as possible.

BVIEC also asked public members to be patient as best efforts are made to return to normalcy.

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) has tried reaching out to BVIEC to find out what effects this cyber-attack will have on its customers and the public; however, it was unable to make contact with General Manager Dr Neil M. Smith.

Electricity service was also affected by the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto nearly a week ago.

BVIEC has been working to restore electricity to areas still without power following the storm’s passage.

20 Responses to “BVIEC falls victim to cyber-attack”

  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (19/08/2024, 14:33) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    In reference to the Topic Issue the onus or expected evidence is for the BVIEC to unveil publicly that in fact a cyber-attacked has affected it's internal and external operations. Anything else less than full genuine evidence, the Topic Issue report should be taken so far as a cover-up of incompetence. But to the contrary, if a cyber-attacked did occurred, we need urgent help going forward.
    • Unusual High Bills (19/08/2024, 17:45) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
      So this explains my unusually high bills.
    • bvi (19/08/2024, 19:48) Like (1) Dislike (14) Reply
      Cart your old negative behind and retreat to your rocking chair if you have nothing better to say
  • Incompetents (19/08/2024, 14:39) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    Lame excuse
  • hmm (19/08/2024, 14:41) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    so are our information secure those of us who paying online????
  • Inform (19/08/2024, 15:46) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
    Are they going to tell customers if credit card information was stolen from BVIEC
    • @ Inform (21/08/2024, 14:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      They will. Just ask. I did, however its not my secret to tell. Customer service will ask Management and you will be afforded the sane kind courtesy as myself.
  • Concerned (19/08/2024, 16:38) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is no mention of it, but does this include putting customer personal ID at risk?
  • BVIEC (19/08/2024, 16:42) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    BVIEC need to come out immediately and inform the public what happened. The people credit card and bank accounts are attached to their system and they need to assure people that their accounts are not compromised.

    This cannot be top secret
  • NOT (19/08/2024, 16:45) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    What they really mean is their computers broke.
  • Chop (19/08/2024, 17:23) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Dem get chop?
  • How can that be (19/08/2024, 18:49) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    They never answer the phone , emails , shouting outside who opened what and let it in?
  • resident (19/08/2024, 19:34) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hope they have a good backup and disaster recovery plan
  • WELL HERE WE GO AGAIN (20/08/2024, 06:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    TECHNOLOGY .IS AN AMAZING PIECE OF KNOWLEDGE IN THIS NEW AGE , BUT WHATEVER MAN MAKE THERE'S ALWAYS THOSE PREDATORS JUST WAITING TO USE THEIR SKILLS TO MANIPULATE OR FLEXX OFF THEIR KNOWLEDGE .OF IT , SO IF THOSE WHO ARE SKILLED IN THIS FIELD CAN GET " HACKED " JUDGE TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THET LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE / THEN AGAIN IS IT TRUE OR JUST ANOTHER EXCUSE ❓️???? / WE HAVE TO WONDER , WHATS REALLY GOING ON WITH THESE ARISTOCRATS , WHO THINK THEY ARE GOT MORE BRAINS THAN EVERYBODY ELSE
  • cheap shot (20/08/2024, 09:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yeah Ozk
    Desperately seeking excuses is how I see it. Put this in our heads and that is the end if it...no followup nuttin.. lies and foolery thrown at us.
    Cyber too attacking water supply , digging pot holes and not trimming the trees and vines around and on the electric poles and wires.
    Well Sah! this is a new one for the books!
  • William (20/08/2024, 10:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    the hole system needs upgrading
  • Junie (20/08/2024, 12:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dear BVIEC,

    Can you please tell the citizens of this territory exactly how we’ll be affected as a result of this cyber attack on your operation?

    Are we being affected now and if so, in what way?

    You’ve already enlisted the help of expert in law enforcement on this topic, already contacted the U.K., but haven’t said a word to us , except to ask for our patience while they return to normalcy. But except for the frequent power outages what else is going on that’s not normal?
  • Surge (20/08/2024, 18:13) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Most likely a power surge damaged their computers. Who would want to launch a cyber attack on a busted dis functioning organization like BVIEC? Gtfoh with that fake news.
    • @Surge (21/08/2024, 14:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Its not fake news and shoukdn't be treated as such. A long time ago, in conversation with a friend i mentioned that enemies (Syria, Iran, Iraq, Russia, etc) of VI (UK) and US can easily effect havoc on these countries by goimg through the backdoors of their Territories or dependent islands such as VI, Anguilla, Bermuda, Turks. Caymans, USVI, PR, Guam, etc. Most of which don't have proper systems in place to prevent or mitigate cyber attacks on their infrastructure, banking, Schools, etc. How many of these places have an active bomb squad, military, war ship or nedical personnel trained to deal with bacterial outbreak such as Monkey Pox/Mpox?
      I do believe Mr Smith is mindful of what is required of him in the event this malicious attack cause our CC to be compromised and our Ids to be placed on the dark web to be sold to the highest bidder. I think the Management is awaiting confirmation from the experts as to what transpired. The attack might not have been directly on BVIEC but probably their partner, whose payment portal is being used to facilitate CC payments. Whatever it is or wherever it started, i trust everyone is mindful and wise to inform their banking institution and pay close attention to their accounts and the alerts which most banks have implemented. I would suggest asking one's bank to change the particular card used on the BVIEC portal. Stay safe everyone, be cautious and pay attention when ordering online or paying your utility bills. They are too many thieves out there just looking for that one huge payday. Stop using shortcuts, type out the website address, stop allowing your device to save your credit card details, stop using public computers or devices or free internet as your info can be stoln as well. Btw, if you intend to go into BVIEC to make payment this week, please walk with your bill or know your account number. Both customer service and cashier aren't able to access their system. A good idea is to pay using cash or cheque until they are able to figure out whats going on. Remember, we are all in this together. What affects one, affects all. Lets stay positive and wish Mr Smith and his BVIEC team good luck and Godspeed. Be kind, be gracious because they are doing their best and continue to work hard. Its not an easy job but for the grace of God they struggle to maintain their dignity by serving us each and everyday. If y'all don't realise how important yet dangerous their work is, i suggest watching LIFE ON THE LINE starring John Travolta and Kate Bosworth. Lets be good to eachother, stay positive and create a force of harmony. T9gether we'll win!
  • @ Surge (22/08/2024, 00:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Unfortunately, I didn't spell check before posting. Blame it on my haste. The first line, would should be spelt shouldn't and 18th line should be medical. The word in the last line should be together.


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