The Minister of National Security was unable to provide new information about the cyberattack, which was first discovered by the Government on September 20.

During a press conference yesterday, Michael Weeks would not say whether any ransom was paid to hackers after the discovery of the attack and did not offer details about the attack not already disclosed.

“The investigation is still ongoing and once it is complete we will be able to say where we are with that,” he said.

In the seven weeks since the event, the Government has declined to confirm whether it was a ransomware attack, whether any ransom was paid and whether any personal data was exfiltrated.

During the press conference, Mr Weeks was unable to say whether Bermuda was included in an international agreement signed by Britain to refuse the payment of ransom to cyber criminals.

The National Cybersecurity Centre announced on November 2 that Britain and members of the Counter Ransomware Initiative signed a joint statement pledging that relevant institutions under national government authority should not pay ransoms.

Asked if Bermuda was automatically included in the agreement as an Overseas Territory, Michael Weeks said: “I really don’t know at this time.”

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Speaking at a Throne Speech press conference, Mr Weeks was light on details about progress made to strengthen cybersecurity in the wake of the cyberattack on government systems in September.

He reiterated that the drafting process for cybersecurity legislation was close to being finalised and that it was expected to be tabled in Parliament either this month or in December.

He said: “The Bill will be revised to incorporate the necessary statutory enhancements recommended in response to September's cyberattack on the Bermuda Government.

“The cyberattack underscored the critical need for robust and adaptive cybersecurity measures in our country and that is why this government is determined to ensure the safety and security of Bermuda's digital landscape.”

Mr Weeks would not say how the legislation would be strengthened in light of the attack.

He said: “Once the Cybersecurity Bill is drafted and approved by the legislature, the legislation will not only address the evolving cyber landscape but also incorporate the valuable lessons learnt from September's attack.

“A cyber Bill is more than just laws and regulations — it is a safeguard for our national security, the protection of sensitive data and the continued functioning of our critical national infrastructure.

“It ensures that we have in place secure technology systems and frameworks in which to conduct our business.”

Mr Weeks denied rumours that the Bermuda Government refused to co-operate with British authorities brought in by Government House to investigate the cyberattack.

Mr Weeks said: “I will deny that. Any assistance that was offered by the UK – they came here and were able to assist us in getting to the bottom of this,” he said.

Government employees are undergoing training in cybersecurity. Asked what training was being delivered and who was receiving it, Mr Weeks said: “Different people from different departments are undergoing different training of the various department systems to upgrade their skills and knowledge of cybersecurity and what to look out for when making sure that our systems remain crime free.”

Mr Weeks was asked whether Bermuda remains as susceptible to a cyberattack now as it was before September’s attack.

He responded: “Well, looking at the cybersecurity, we have always been trying to strengthen our systems.

“Since September, we have delved further so I wouldn’t say that we are as susceptible as before. This is an ongoing process and we are continually strengthening our systems.”

Mr Weeks said that phase two of the implementation of a CCTV network to help police to combat crime would begin in the new year.

He said: “Starting in the first quarter of 2024, the Ministry of National Security and the Bermuda Police Service will implement phase two of the initiative by conducting a number of pilot studies relating to traffic infractions. This phase will include the implementation of speed cameras.

“These studies will determine how the new CCTV network can aid in more rigid enforcement of traffic laws, promoting safer driving and safer road use.

“I will provide further updates on the full implementation of the CCTV network and on the phase two developments after the planned pilot studies.

“The CCTV network is another tool that will be used to keep our citizens safe.”

He said the ministry’s main priority was getting the network implemented before the end of the fourth quarter of this year.

Mr Weeks highlighted the forthcoming implementation of the Uniformed Services Cadet Training Programme. He said the programme would offer foundational training, equipping successful candidates with the skills to excel in the roles within the uniformed services.

As well as mentioning 23 Bermudian recruit firefighters who completed their training in Britain in September, Mr Weeks said that nine recruits had begun their foundational training course within the Department of Corrections.

He added that existing legislation to protect women from harassment such as cat calling would be promoted so that the community was aware what tools were available to them.