The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) continues to grapple with the aftermath of a ransomware attack that occurred in August 2024, resulting in operational disruptions and significant financial costs.
General Manager Dr Neil Smith disclosed that the cyberattack cost the corporation “magnitudes of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” though he refrained from specifying the exact amount. He emphasised BVIEC’s stance against capitulating to the attackers’ demands, stating, “We will not be paying anything to anybody who feels that it is their right to attack us.“
The ransomware, identified as Akira, encrypted BVIEC’s data, rendering it inaccessible and demanding a ransom for its release. Dr Smith highlighted the sophistication of the perpetrators, noting, “The people who do these attacks are not regular programmers. These guys are highly skilled.“
In response to the breach, BVIEC collaborated with the United Kingdom’s Cyber Security Agency to investigate and mitigate the situation. Dr Smith mentioned, “The UK Cyber Security Agency was involved at some point.” He further explained that while BVIEC has in-house cybersecurity personnel, specialised external experts were engaged due to the complex nature of the attack.
The cyberattack significantly impacted BVIEC’s operations, compelling the corporation to estimate customer bills based on prior usage. Dr Smith had advised customers to remain patient during the recovery process and to continue making regular payments to avoid disconnection, even though online payment options were temporarily unavailable.
To bolster its defences against future cyber threats, BVIEC has implemented enhanced cybersecurity protocols and procedures. Dr Smith acknowledged that while BVIEC had previously thwarted several cyberattacks, this incident underscored the necessity for continued vigilance and improvement in cybersecurity practices.
The BVIEC cyberattack reflected a trend of increasing cyber threats targeting utility companies in the region. Dr Smith mentioned that similar attacks had affected sister utilities in the Eastern Caribbean, some with more severe consequences.
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