Ecuador’s National Assembly Targeted in Cyberattack

Ecuador’s National Assembly reported two cyberattacks on Monday, aimed at disrupting operations and accessing confidential data. While officials confirmed that security teams had swiftly identified and countered the breach, details about the impact and perpetrators remain undisclosed.

In a statement, the Assembly warned public institutions and citizens about ongoing cyber threats, emphasising that efforts would be made to safeguard sensitive information.

The attacks come just a week after Ecuador’s general election, where President Daniel Noboa failed to secure a majority, forcing a runoff against Luisa González in April. Noboa has since raised concerns over potential irregularities in the vote.

A Surge in Cyberattacks Across Ecuador

Ecuador has seen a wave of cyber incidents in recent months, affecting both media organisations and government institutions.

• Radio Pichincha, a leading broadcaster, was recently targeted by the hacker group Cyber Hunters, temporarily disrupting its website. The station, which has faced repeated cyberattacks over six years, urged international organisations to take notice.
• In January, Ecuador’s civil registry suffered a cyberattack, disrupting its online identity card and passport services. Officials vowed to resist criminal attempts to compromise government systems.
• In 2023, Ecuador’s national election agency was attacked by hackers from seven different countries, preventing many Ecuadorians abroad from casting their votes online.
• In 2021, the country’s largest private bank, Banco Pichincha, was hit by a major cyberattack, affecting ATMs and online banking services.

With Ecuador’s runoff election approaching, concerns are growing over the potential for further cyber interference. Authorities are reinforcing cyber defences to protect critical infrastructure and maintain public trust in national systems.