By: Nghiinomewa-vali Hangala
Telecom, Namibia Air Company, Otjiwarongo, and now the country’s defense force have been hit by cyberattacks threatening to expose its secrets.
The latest attack has laid the country’s cyber defenses bare as more institutions become victims.
The country has been a victim of cyberattacks, targeting certain institutions including telecommunications.
More strategic institutions are being hacked or have become targets of online attacks, the latest being the Namibian Defense Force.
The Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) has confirmed that unauthorised activity occurred within the Ministry’s network environment.
Explaining that their analysis of the affected systems indicates that the incident is associated with the RansomHouse ransomware group.
Ransomware is a cybercriminal syndicate known internationally for deploying ransomware and engaging in “double-extortion” tactics.
According to CSIRT, the threat actors encrypt systems while simultaneously threatening to disclose allegedly stolen information.
As a result of the new incident, the CSIRT encourages government institutions, operators of critical infrastructure, and private-sector entities to maintain strong cybersecurity practices,
Moreover, the team indicated that the country needs to implement incident response plans, conduct regular security assessments, and promptly report significant cyber incidents to NAM-CSIRT to support national cyber resilience and coordinated response efforts.
Cybersecurity incidents of such nature serve as a reminder that no organisation, regardless of size or mandate, is immune to the evolving threat landscape.
The cybersecurity team has indicated that it will render support to the affected Ministry.
“As Namibia’s national cybersecurity coordination centre, NAM-CSIRT remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs and all affected stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation, effective recovery, and the strengthening of cyber resilience across government,” the team wrote.
Head of NAM-CSIRT, Emilia Nghikembua, explained that in accordance with the principles of the National Cyber Security Incident Management Guidelines, CRAN and NAM must continue to encourage institutions and operators of critical infrastructure, and private-sector entities to maintain strong cybersecurity practices.
At the same time, implement incident response plans, conduct regular security assessments, and promptly report significant cyber incidents to NAM-CSIRT to support national cyber resilience and coordinated response efforts.
Nghikembua further emphasised that the collective digital security of Namibia’s digital ecosystem depends on timely reporting, proactive information sharing, and continuous investment in cybersecurity preparedness.
“We urge all organisations to strengthen their cyber defences and work closely with NAM-CSIRT to safeguard critical systems, data, and services that citizens depend upon every day.”
The cyber conversation is happening in the country, with various conferences happening in the country.
