Description: An unidentified group of cyber criminals launched a large-scale cyber attack on Colombia’s main telecommunications service provider, IFX Networks, on 12 August 2023. As a result, more than 30 governmental websites across several Latin American countries, including Colombia, Argentina, Panama, and Chile, were paralyzed. Sensitive data was seized from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice, and a ransom was demanded.

Context: This attack is considered one of the most significant cyberattacks on Colombian infrastructure to date and has impacted a reported total of 762 companies across Latin America due to IFX Networks’ wide reach. Having suspended two million court proceedings, it also greatly affected Colombia’s judicial system.

Importance: The cyber attack underscores the potential threats to national security and critical infrastructure. It highlights the vulnerability of government data and systems, and the widespread disruption that can occur as a result of a successful attack.

Key Points: 1. The cyberattack targeted IFX Networks, affecting over 30 government websites across Colombia and Latin America.

Urgency: High. This incident reveals the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity measures across all sectors, especially those handling sensitive governmental data.

Recommended Actions: 1. Review and strengthen existing cybersecurity measures.

Distribution: This report is recommended for distribution to all sectors of government, particularly those impacted by the attack, as well as key players in the telecommunications industry. It should also be shared with cybersecurity firms and international partners for collaboration on future threat prevention.