SICT Announced Cyberattack on Its Servers

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) reported a cyberattack on one of its servers. Therefore, it activated the corresponding protocols and contingency plans, which also affected decentralized organs  

SICT reported that on the evening of Oct. 24, 2022, its servers were hacked. Consequently, the ministry activated the National Ratified Protocol on Management of Cyber Incidents to protect the information and sensitive data on SICT’s computers. 

SICT did not provide information regarding the exposed information or who might be behind the cyberattack. Nonetheless, SICT stated that it will investigate the incident and follow up with other authorities.

Following the hack, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) announced it would suspend all procedures until further notice. AFAC said that this measure aims to contain any access to delicate information and stressed that the suspension followed protocol. Due to this decision, aerospace personnel will only be able to issue licenses, renovations and medical certificates. At the time of writing, no other government institution has reported its adherence to the protocol or any suspension of its activities. 

The cyberattack takes place after the hacktivist group Guacamaya launched a cyberattack on the servers of the Ministry of Defense (SEDENA) in late September 2022. The hack allowed Guacamaya to access over six terabytes of sensitive emails, which it delivered to the media. Guacamaya has also hacked the servers of mining companies in countries like Chile and Guatemala, as well as oil companies in Venezuela and the armed forces of Chile and Colombia, among others. 

The Guacamaya Leaks revealed valuable information regarding SEDENA’s involvement in key infrastructure projects like the Mayan Train and various international airports. On Oct. 6, 2022, MBN reported that SEDENA was planning to constitute a holding company called Grupo Aeroportuario, Ferroviario y de Servicios Auxiliares Olmeca-Maya-Mexica (GASFAOMM) to manage infrastructure projects and companies like the Mayan Train, the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), as well as the airports of Palenque in Chiapas and Chetumal and Tulum in Quintana Roo. The company would also manage another company focused on tourist services, two national parks and an airline featuring 10 airplanes, including the presidential airplane that President López Obrador unsuccessfully tried to get rid of.