Tonga’s government has rejected a US$1 million ($1.6 million NZD) ransom demand after hackers seized control of its national health IT system, locking out medical staff who have reverted to paper records.
The system, which holds sensitive patient data, was compromised earlier this month.
Police Minister Piveni Piukala said paying the ransom was not an option.
The Health Ministry is still assessing the breach’s impact, while Australia has sent cyber security experts to assist.
Pacific nations have become frequent targets of cyberattacks, with Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, and Palau previously affected.
Image credit: Stefan Heinemann
Soft targets