Indonesian government datacenter locked down in $8M ransomware rumble

A ransomware attack targeted the Indonesian government's national datacenter, operated by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, disrupting services for at least 210 institutions. The attack, using a variant of LockBit 3.0 called Brain Cipher, led to the shutdown of digital services for immigration, causing delays in processing visas and passports. Additionally, online student registrations were affected in some regions, prompting deadline extensions by local governments. The attackers demanded an $8 million ransom, but it is unclear if the government will pay. The incident highlights the growing threat of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure, with Indonesia facing significant disruptions and potential data exfiltration. The country's response to this cyberattack will be crucial in mitigating future risks and ensuring the security of its digital services.