BERMUDA- Premier Burt thanks public servants, banks, and shares following the cyber attack

HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Premier David Burt, facing criticism over his departure from the island as Bermuda grapples with a “major cyberattack’ has expressed his thanks “to dedicated” government public officers “who have been tirelessly crafting to address the challenges as a result of the incident.

Burt, who has attributed the attack to external sources, likely within Russia, traveled to the United States to attend the annual meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. He is scheduled to hold a news conference later on Monday.

But in an online statement, Burt, who has since come under fire from opposition legislators and parties for being absent from the British Overseas Territory, said he also wanted “to express my appreciation to the local banks for their unwavering commitment in collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely payment for our public officers.

“We are facing particular challenges, but the government remains operational and actively working to enhance our services capabilities.

“I want to express my gratitude to all those who have dedicated countless hours to our critical operations and continue to do so. We are committed to swiftly restoring service delivery. Thanks also to the public for your patience and understanding,” said Burt, the Minister of Finance, in his statement.

Acting Prime Minister Walter Roban has told citizens not to “underestimate some of the sensitive security issues and international issues” surrounding the “major cyberattack” last Thursday that brought down government information technology (IT) services.

“I do not want people to underestimate some of the sensitive security issues and international issues around this matter,” Roban said, adding, “The very heart of public service has been attacked and immobilized.”

On Friday, Governor Rena Lalgie said that cybersecurity teams in Britain are assisting in finding a solution, confirming the government IT systems were subjected to a “major cyberattack” and “that incident is ongoing.

“While there was an early indication of the geographical source of that attack, any further speculation on the possible source or motivation for the attack would be unhelpful,” she said.

Meanwhile, the latest government update listed working services, starting with the 911 emergency number, and that there appeared to be “minimal impact” on schools and the Ministry of Education.

Police, Customs, and the Royal Bermuda Regiment were not disrupted, and even as the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service had to process paperwork manually, there were no delays expected for responses, radios were still working, and dispatches as well as airport fire service continued.

The Department of Corrections was running, with its internal locking, radio, and duress system still online. All Magistrates’ Court cases were proceeding, but the Supreme Court was to hear “limited matters” on a case-by-case basis.
Public transport was operating as usual.