The Caribbean Island of Martinique has been enduring a prolonged cyberattack that has caused significant disruptions to its internet access and overall infrastructure. With a population of around 360,000, Martinique is under the control of France and serves as an outermost region of the European Union.
Furthermore, the council governing the island announced on May 24 that the cyberattack had heavily impacted the community, resulting in the isolation of affected systems and the mobilization of cybersecurity experts to gradually restore operations.
Measures are being taken to restore internet access in educational institutions, ensure the smooth handling of exams, facilitate financial services through paper formats, and manage aid and subsidy services.
Despite the severity of the situation, the island’s government, the French Foreign Ministry, and France’s cybersecurity agency have not responded to requests for comment. Some government offices remain closed until June 1, and the government’s website is still inaccessible.
A notice issued by the government on cyberattacks highlighted that multiple attacks have targeted local communities, paralyzing their computer systems. France’s National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI) has provided recommendations to organizations on the island, emphasizing the importance of cyber hygiene guides for employees and the increased utilization of security tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection programs.
Recently, the Rhysida ransomware group claimed responsibility for attacking Martinique’s systems and leaking stolen files, which reportedly include a significant amount of government data. The group emerged in late May 2023, and little is known about their operations. They masquerade as a “cybersecurity team” and attempt to exploit victims by emphasizing the potential consequences of security issues.
Martinique is not the first French island territory to face such challenges, as Guadeloupe, consisting of six islands with a population of approximately 385,000, previously experienced a cyberattack that severely impacted the local government’s systems.
