Santo Domingo.- Over the weekend, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance fell victim to a cyber attack, resulting in the theft of over 8,000 files containing Covid-19 vaccination records. The breach, perpetrated by unidentified individuals, compromised sensitive information including names, phone numbers, and addresses of vaccinated individuals from various sessions organized by the Dominican State.

Sources familiar with the incident revealed that the stolen data is likely to be traded on the Dark Web for prices ranging from 1 to 3 euros (approximately RD$190). This unauthorized access was facilitated by the absence of updated antivirus protection on the Ministry’s computers, leaving them vulnerable to malware and malicious software.

An ongoing investigation, led by the National Police, has traced the breach to a specific Internet Protocol (IP) address. However, apprehending the perpetrators proves challenging, given their potential presence within the Dominican Republic and the sophisticated tools required to access the Dark Web.

Accessing the Dark Web necessitates specialized tools like TOR, a platform known for its anonymity and unindexed nature, making it a hub for illicit activities ranging from drug trafficking to the sale of weapons, counterfeit currency, stolen financial data, and forged documents. Unraveling the network of organizations involved in data theft requires the expertise and resources of agencies like the FBI.