Homeland Security Investigations says it disrupted a cyberattack against a critical undersea cable, adding the hackers sought to target “infrastructure on Oahu.”

The cable links Hawaii and the Pacific region to critical telecommunications, including internet and cellphones.

HSI said its agents, based on a tip from their counterparts on the mainland, were able to disrupt a “significant breach involving a private company’s services” associated with the undersea cable last week.

Agents worked to prevent any further unauthorized access.

The telecom infrastructure was not damaged, and there is no immediate threat now.

HSI said it was able to identify an international hacking group as responsible for the attack. HSI agents and international law enforcement partners in several countries were able to make an arrest.

No further information was released, pending prosecution.

“This is only one of the many examples of cyber incidents that HSI has responded to in Hawaii and the Pacific Region,” Special Agent in Charge John F. Tobon said in a news release.

What stories will you help make possible?

Since 2010, Civil Beat’s reporting has painted a more complete picture of Hawaii — stories that you won’t find anywhere else.

Your donation, however big or small, will ensure that Civil Beat has the resources to provide you with thorough, unbiased reporting on the issues that matter most to Hawaii. We can’t do this without you.

 

About the Author