Ransomware attack cripples Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport

Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has again become the target of a ransomware attack by hackers using the Conti ransomware, just months after a wide-ranging attack crippled several ministries.

According to a statement issued by Costa Rica’s government, 12 servers were encrypted in the attack, knocking all of MOPT’s computer systems offline. Cybersecurity experts from the government and international organizations were called in to deal with the situation.

While license issuance services were temporarily halted, they have now been restored. Driving tests are still administered in person. According to the statement, traffic engineering, maritime safety services, public works, and navigation, which were previously provided virtually, will now be provided in person until further notice.

The MOPT cautioned citizens to be wary of scammers, noting that the ministry does not contact anyone via email or phone to process any of its services. Several other agencies either cut their links to MOPT to contain the attack or said their services were limited due to the attack.

The country’s judiciary stated that it severed its connection to MOPT, limiting the operation of the country’s traffic courts. Downloading fines, tickets, and other files will be impossible until the link is restored, according to the court system on Twitter. Measures are in place as part of the protocol to ensure the technological infrastructure of the judiciary.

Only six months ago, the Costa Rican government made national headlines after being targeted by hackers who used the Conti ransomware. Dozens of Costa Rica’s government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, had their servers encrypted in an attack just as the country’s new President, Rodrigo Chaves, took office.

The hackers even brought down one of the energy suppliers. In May, Chaves declared a national emergency, marking the first time a national leader responded to a cyberattack in the same way the government would respond to a military attack or natural disaster.