By Katalina Siasau
The Tongan Government is refusing to pay a USD$1 million ransom demanded by hackers who have seized control of the National Health Information System for nearly two weeks, the Minister for Police and Cyber Security, Hon. Piveni Piukala told a media briefing today, 26 June, at the St. George Government Building in Nuku’alofa.
In answer to questions, Minister Piukala said the ransom demanded is $1 million US dollars, and it will not be paid. He expressed confidence in the Australian cyber experts, who are working in Tonga to decrypt the system and regain control. The Minister said that they are close to completion.
“Paying ransom is not advised globally, so it will not be paid,” he said.
He said this incident highlights issues with the network's security control architecture in the country, which he said “is not properly considered.”
Meanwhile, Deputy PM, Hon. Dr Taniela Fusimalohi said that the cyber experts team is going up against criminals on the internet. "It does raise questions on the safety of Tonga against cyber security crimes," he said.
The medical staff are currently unable to access the encrypted health information system and have reverted to paper-based record keeping after the cyber attack.
A delegation from Tonga will be traveling to Australia in two weeks to discuss this issue with the Australian Government, as cybersecurity is a key area of Australian aid, the Deputy PM said.
A meeting for the communication sectors in Tonga is scheduled for next Tuesday to discuss this matter.
The Deputy PM mentioned there had been five situation reports from the cyber experts, and more details are expected soon.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke, and several Cabinet Ministers are currently in Ha'apai for the Free Wesleyan Church Annual Conference.
