Ransomware attack disrupts health system network in Micronesia's Yap state
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The Department of Health Services in Yap, one of four states comprising the Pacific nation of Micronesia, is currently recovering from the effects of a ransomware attack that has forced its entire computer network offline.
The cyberattack occurred on March 11, 2025 and disrupted health services across the island. On Wednesday, 12th of Match, health officials issued a warning to Yap's approximately 12,000 residents regarding the attack. The authorities disconnected the entire network from the internet and powered down all computers to prevent further damage to their systems.
The health department is now working alongside private IT contractors and other government agencies to restore services, assess the extent of the breach, and determine what data may have been compromised. All email communications through health servers and digital health systems remain shut down as recovery efforts continue.
Officials have reassured the public that health services are still operational, though they acknowledged that response times would be slower due to the ongoing disruptions.
The number of affected individuals beyond the general disruption to the island's healthcare services has not been disclosed, nor has any information about potential ransom demands or the financial impact of the incident.
As of Thursday 13th of March, no hacking group had claimed responsibility for the attack.
