Malawi’s government has implemented a suspension on passport issuance due to a cyber-attack targeting the immigration service’s computer network. President Lazarus Chakwera has characterized this attack as a significant national security breach, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Despite ransom demands from the hackers, the government stands firm in its decision not to negotiate and is actively working towards resolving the issue promptly.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, President Chakwera has directed the immigration department to provide a temporary solution within three weeks to resume passport issuance while addressing the underlying system vulnerabilities. Plans for the development of long-term solutions with enhanced security measures are also underway to prevent future incidents and ensure the integrity of the passport issuance process. This suspension has left many Malawians unable to obtain passports, hindering their ability to travel and seek opportunities abroad.
The cyber-attack has raised concerns among Malawians regarding the security of their personal data and the implications of the breach. While details about the attack remain scarce, the government faces mounting pressure to address the persistent delays in passport issuance and provide transparent communication regarding the incident. This suspension marks another setback in the country’s passport issuance process, following previous challenges such as shortages of passport booklets and contractual irregularities, further exacerbating frustrations among citizens.
