A group of hackers called Termite recently claimed responsibility for a cyberattack targeting the Department of Reunion. This intrusion, which occurred on November 13, 2024 according to the hackers, forced the community to temporarily interrupt its computer networks to prevent the incident from spreading.
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Termite, a still little-known group, has also claimed similar attacks against entities such as the Viamonde school board in Canada and the water distribution company Culligan. However, the group remains enigmatic, indicating neither its motivations nor the extent of the data potentially exfiltrated.
An attack quickly contained
In a press release released on November 13ththe Department confirmed that it had been the victim of a cyberattack and detailed the measures taken:
« Thanks to the rapid intervention of our IT teams, the attack was contained. As a precautionary measure and to avoid any risk of spread, all of the Community's computer networks have been temporarily interrupted with the outside world. We observed limited data leakage.«
A crisis unit was immediately mobilized to assess the damage, restore services and strengthen security. Among the first measures taken:
- Suspension of email,
- Temporary inaccessibility of several platforms,
- Maintaining public services by telephone and in person.
The Department specifies that, despite the attack, the public services remain operational. A complaint was filed with the authorities, and the CNIL was informed in accordance with legal obligations in the event of a data leak.
Who is Termite?
The Termite group has recently appeared on the cyberattack scene. Little information is available on their modus operandi or their motivations. However, their targets seem varied, ranging from public institutions like the Department of La Réunion and the Viamonde School Board to private companies like Culligan.
Unlike other ransomware groups, Termite has yet to make a public ransom demand, fueling speculation about their true goals.
Disruptions for users and increased vigilance
Although the attack was contained quickly, it nevertheless generated disruptions:
- The temporary inability for users to access certain digital services.
- A suspension of email communications.
In his press release, the president of the Department, Cyrille Melchiorsaid:
« We are working around the clock to identify the extent of the incident and to strengthen the security of our IT system. We will provide regular updates as the situation evolves.«
Previous Termite Attacks
The Termite group also distinguished itself by:
- The attack on the Viamonde School Board (Canada): This French-speaking school network was recently targeted, affecting the continuity of educational services and the data security of several establishments.
- The Culligan Company : This water supplier also suffered an attack claimed by Termite, although the details of the incident are still unclear.
These attacks reveal a disparate targeting strategy, targeting both public institutions and private companies.
Total mobilization to limit impacts
Faced with this incident, the Department is striving to limit disruption for citizens while working to strengthen its infrastructure. The crisis unit continues to analyze the consequences of the attack, while cybersecurity experts are mobilized to secure the systems and prevent any recurrence.
Box: Advice for citizens and partners
The Department has called on its users and collaborators to exercise increased vigilance. Here are some best practices recommended in this type of situation:
- Do not open suspicious emails or attachmentsespecially if they claim to come from an official organization.
- Check bank statements regularly to detect any unusual activity.
- Change your passwords whether personal information may have been compromised.
A persistent threat to communities
This cyberattack against the Department of Reunion Island illustrates a worrying trend: the multiplication of attacks targeting local authorities. With infrastructures often under-equipped in terms of cybersecurity, these institutions become prime targets for malicious groups.
As groups like Termite emerge, communities and businesses will need to strengthen their defenses to counter these threats. In the case of Reunion Island, the speed of reaction of the IT teams made it possible to contain the damage, but this incident remains a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public IT systems to cyberattacks. To stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and protection best practices, subscribe to our newsletter or join the group ZATAZ WhatsApp.
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