Criminal investigation launched into BVIEC cyber-attack- Dr. Neil M. Smith
General Manager of BVIEC, Dr. Neil M. Smith, told JTV Channel 55’s Cathy Richards, the security breach was recognised late last week. A ransomware he revealed was used to get into the BVIEC’s system over weeks or months eventually compromising the system.
Cyber-attack being dealt with at the highest levels- Dr. Neil M. Smith
“It is being treated as a national security issue. As you know the BVIEC’s infrastructure is a national asset and is essential for the economy to run…and also is being treated as a crime. We have very talented and knowledgeable people…working with us to rectify the matter. We also have law enforcement involved,” he explained.
Dr. Smith also said he is confident, based on progress already made, everything will be back to normal soon.
While the cyber-attackers demanded money to release the BVIEC’s systems, Dr. Smith said the BVIEC will not be paying the requested sum, a figure he refused to disclose adding, “The individuals who are doing it should be careful in the future is what I suggest”.
All systems affected- Carmen A. Sully
Meanwhile, Financial Controller at BVIEC, Mrs. Carmen A. Sully revealed a number of the electricity company’s systems have been affected such as the financial systems including the billing system and customer service database, the automatic reading system, and the company’s ability to calculate and print bills and cheques.
While the readings for some cycles were already complete, others will now have to be done manually, she said using “a sort of average…it’s the best we can do at the moment, but I can assure that customers can still come and pay their bills, they will be given a manual receipt”.
Mrs. Sully called the situation “unfortunate” and assured the company’s IT team is working to get the system backup and restore whatever data they can.
BVIEC is still unsure if any of the compromised data will affect customers as it is still being assessed.
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22 Responses to “Criminal investigation launched into BVIEC cyber-attack- Dr. Neil M. Smith”
Keep you eyes and ears open. People who writes programs could be the same ones hacking systems. People who use to or who may be working with the company could very well be the culprits. This world is so evil and wicked.
the bvi needs to invest in itself and keep up with the times remain modern
is only recently the labor department started doing things online?? like really?
stop the partying and celebration and get the place up to scratch
Hope this is sorted soon! BVI taking blows on every angle????
This is %$^^&*&%. Nobody should pay until it is fixed. I am not standing in a long ass line to get a manual bill then to manually pay a bill which I usually pay online, I am sorry!!! Find a suitable alternative, this will be a complete mess in Long Bush. How about setting up additional offices to accept payments?
So I wish that bloggers like 'Eyes' 'timing' and others would just stop with the ignorant comments and read a bit about what's going on in the outside world. More than likely this is not some local individual who has committed this crime.
2. It’s highly unlikely that the perpetrators were from here. Even if you find them, then what?. Focus resources instead on fixing the damage.
3. BVIEC needs to find a way to assure to customers’ financial information is secure. If they are unable to do so, then they need to pay for customer credit monitoring, and need to accept responsibility arising from their negligence. This is what banks that have been hacked have had to do.
4. BVIEC needs to extend credit for at least 90 days for bills that will soon be in arrears instead of making people pay in person, probably in cash, since it does not seem their system is secured.
5. BVI government should pay the millions they owe BVIEC. They need the money now, but if the recent $ 20 mill govt payroll debacle is anything to go by, the cash resources aren’t there.
All this a good argument to go off-grib, but that’s illegal in the Territory. What a place….
What about those of us who are away on vacation who normally pay online or with direct debit..how do we avoid getting cut off while we are away
internal system as well.
This cyber attack isn't only a BVIEC problem, other Caribbean islands have experienced these attacks during the last few weeks as well. These attacks are very well orchestrated to undermine Caribbean countries financial stability. I do hope and wish these criminals would be found and brought to justice very soon. Let's continue to look out for the person's vulnerable to these type of problems and teach them how to remain safe whilst dealing with their mobile banking, shopping online and/or paying bills as well. Technology can be a curse and a blessing do let's all remain focused whilst surfing the web or any type of activity online related.
"Offices are currently close