Ecuador’s National Assembly reported two cyberattacks on Monday that targeted its systems, attempting to gain access to sensitive data. While the legislature quickly identified and countered the attacks, no further details were provided regarding the extent of the breach or the identity of the attackers. The assembly issued a public statement alerting citizens and institutions about the attempted breach, stressing the importance of protecting confidential information and taking necessary countermeasures.
The cyberattack on the legislature followed Ecuador’s general election, where President Daniel Noboa did not secure an outright victory, triggering a runoff against left-wing challenger Luisa González. The election process has already been marred by allegations of irregularities, with Noboa questioning the legitimacy of the results from the first round.
This political backdrop could suggest that cyberattacks might be politically motivated or part of a larger wave of digital threats facing the country.
Recent cyberattacks in Ecuador have targeted several prominent organizations. The Radio Pichincha news outlet reported that it had been targeted by the hacker group Cyber Hunters, disrupting its website and drawing attention to the ongoing cyber threats faced by media outlets. Despite this harassment, the station remains committed to providing news coverage, particularly related to the elections, and has become a leading outlet in Ecuador despite the attacks it has faced over the past six years.
In addition to attacks on media outlets, Ecuador’s civil registry and election systems have been disrupted by cyberattacks. In January, a cyberattack targeted the national civil registry’s website, disrupting services like identity card appointments. The country’s election systems have also been affected, with previous cyberattacks disrupting online voting for citizens living abroad in 2023. These ongoing cyber threats highlight Ecuador’s vulnerability to digital attacks and emphasize the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.
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