A major cyberattack has struck several government ministries, forcing critical websites offline and leaving some of them defaced in what authorities are calling one of the most disruptive digital security breaches in recent months.
According to early assessments, the affected ministries include the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Water, and the Ministry of Labour. Government ICT teams were immediately deployed to contain the breach and restore public services.
What Happened in the Cyberattack?
Visitors attempting to access the affected websites on Monday morning were met with either error messages, blank pages, or pages displaying unauthorized content, indicating possible defacement by the attackers. While the full scope and motive of the attack are still unknown, cybersecurity analysts warn that the breach may be part of a wider threat targeting national infrastructure systems.
Public Services Temporarily Interrupted
Some essential citizen services hosted on the affected platforms were reportedly interrupted, causing delays in:
- Online permit and licensing applications
- Access to public health information portals
- Education-related online platforms and notices
- Water resource and supply updates
- Labour and employment-related government forms
The Ministry of ICT assured the public that alternative channels have been set up where possible as recovery efforts continue.
Government Launches Investigations
The government has confirmed that cybersecurity agencies and digital forensics teams are investigating the source of the intrusion. Officials say they are assessing whether sensitive data may have been accessed or compromised during the breach. Authorities have also contacted international cybersecurity partners to assist in the probe.
Rising Concern Over Digital Security
The attack comes amid growing concern over the cybersecurity readiness of critical government infrastructure. Experts have repeatedly urged modernization of digital defenses, citing increased attempts by sophisticated hacking groups.
What Citizens Should Do
Until systems are fully restored, the public is advised to:
- Verify official announcements through trusted government communication channels
- Avoid clicking suspicious links claiming to be “backup portals”
- Secure personal accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Stay alert for updates from the ICT Ministry
Conclusion
This incident is a sharp reminder that cybersecurity is national security. As governments digitize more services, the need for strong, well-funded ICT security frameworks becomes more urgent. The outcome of this investigation may shape future cybersecurity policies and emergency response strategies.
