SICT to Suspend Its Systems Until 2023

More than a week after the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) reported a cyberattack on one of its servers, it announced that there was no damage done to its systems. What is more, the server’s data remains safe. Nevertheless, the ministry will now suspend its systems as a preventative measure.

On the evening of Oct. 24, 2022, SICT’s servers were hacked. To address the issue, the ministry activated the National Ratified Protocol on Management of Cyber Incidents to protect the information and sensitive data on SICT’s computers. At that time, the ministry did not provide information regarding who might be behind the cyberattack and was limited to stating that it will investigate the incident and follow up with other authorities. Consequently, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) announced it would suspend all procedures until further notice. 

On the morning of Nov. 3, 2022, SICT provided an update on the cyberattack. The ministry reported that to prevent the spread of malicious software, it suspended its systems to avoid infringements and data theft. SICT also said that it is currently working on the diagnosis and planning of its technical processing to reestablish progressive access to the systems. This development will prioritize access to procedures and services for citizens. 

The suspension was published in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF) and has a deadline of Dec. 31, 2022, and will also affect AFAC. “For reasons of force majeure, SICT and AFAC’s term will be suspended from Oct. 24, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2022,” the document reads. 

During the suspension period, the terms for the receipt of documentation, reports and paperwork, as well as other administrative and contested procedures will be on hold. SICT reported that holders of permits, licenses or capability certificates will be able to continue exercising their work as aeronautic technician personnel, even if their certificates have expired. 

After the announcement of the measure, important transportation associations urged the federal government to solve this issue as soon as possible since it might affect their operation. The Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN), the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (CANACITRA), the National Chamber of Cargo Auto-transportation (CANACAR), the National Chamber of Private Transportation (ANTP) and the Confederation of Mexican Transporters (CONATRAM) urged the administration to design a contingency plan to enable permitting and prevent a possible collapse of the supply chain. The chambers offered to help and said that they will install a workgroup representing all the involved chambers to reach a reasonable solution. “CONCAMIN reiterates its commitment to dialogue and to reach a solution in coordination with federal and local authorities for the benefit of all Mexicans,” CONCAMIN stated.