The Malawi government has reportedly suspended the issuance of passports over the past two weeks due to what appears to be a ransomware attack on the immigration service’s computer network.
President Lazarus Chakwera said hackers ask a ransombut the Malawi government has no intention of paying because it refuses to “appease the criminals” or negotiate “with those who attack our country”.
So far, no details have been released about who is behind the attack or whether there is anyone at all the data was stolen.
President Chakwera noted that he expects the Immigration Department to find a temporary solution for the three-week deadline given to resume issuance passports. The nation plans to implement a long-term solution to protect the system with additional security measures, he said.
This is not the first time the country has had to suspend the issuance of passports, but this recent pause comes at a time when demand for passports is high, with many citizens emigrating for reasons of job opportunities.