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OBA presses Government to come clean on cyberattack

A One Bermuda Alliance has challenged the Bermuda Government to shed light on a cyberattack that brought down the island’s public services almost four months ago.

Dwayne Robinson, whose responsibilities in the Upper House include national security, said the Government still had not revealed whether any personal data ended up compromised in the attack on September 20.

David Burt, the Premier, has stated repeatedly that many details regarding the attack could not be made public because it remained under investigation.

Mr Robinson wrote: “The One Bermuda Alliance has repeatedly called for the Government to give the people of Bermuda the answers they deserve.

“The last time we tried to seek a clear response, the Government Senate Leader stymied Opposition senator Doug De Couto, citing order 65 (4) F of the Senate’s standing orders, which states that a question shall not seek information about any matter which is of its nature secret.”

His remarks referenced questions asked on November 29 in the Senate when Dr De Couto sought details about previous cyberattacks as well as if any ransom had been requested or paid.

Mr Robinson said: “I understand why the Government must keep the particulars of the investigation a secret.

“However, people have the right to know if their personal data was exposed. Are all government services fully operational at this time?

“Has the cost of combating the cyberattack exceeded the estimated $5 million listed in the Fiscal Responsibility Panel report? Has there been a ransom paid and, if so, how much?”

He insisted that the queries “should not affect the investigation in any way”.

The OBA called last year for a Commission of Inquiry to delve into the attack and its repercussions.

However, the Premier said in October that a bipartisan parliamentary committee was more appropriate.

Mr Robinson asked what progress had been made on it.

He added: “A parliamentary committee is not the method the One Bermuda Alliance agrees with but an inquiry of some sort needs to happen urgently.

“A statement from the Government assured Bermudians that a full inquiry will be made, and the findings will be made public.”

Mr Robinson said the pledge was “simply lip service” without dates or movement on the parliamentary committee formation.

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Published January 16, 2024 at 7:54 am (Updated January 16, 2024 at 7:54 am)

OBA presses Government to come clean on cyberattack

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