Hackers breached Argentina’s Airport Security Police (PSA) payroll system, exposing sensitive employee information. They accessed salary records and altered pay slips, making unauthorized deductions between 2,000 to 5,000 pesos under fake labels like “DD mayor” and “DD seguro.”
The cyberattack has caused substantial financial harm to several officers, with many reporting unauthorized deductions from their pay.
Some officers experienced multiple deductions, suggesting the possibility of malicious software being installed to allow continuous access and manipulation of payroll data.
Investigations have revealed that while the breach didn’t originate from the PSA’s internal systems, it is connected to Banco Nación, the bank responsible for processing the payroll payments. This raises concerns about the bank’s security protocols and the potential risks to sensitive employee information.
The investigation is complicated by the use of foreign servers by the hackers, though authorities have not dismissed the possibility of the attack being carried out from within Argentina.
In response, the PSA has strengthened its cybersecurity efforts by blocking institutional webmail and launching an internal awareness campaign to educate personnel on better cybersecurity practices.
The breach has been kept mostly secret, with officials choosing not to publicly acknowledge it. Critics have pointed out flaws in the digital security protocols during the time of Patricia Bullrich, former Minister of Security, claiming they failed to protect critical data.
As investigations continue, there is growing pressure on authorities to identify the attackers and take steps to prevent similar incidents. However, progress on holding those responsible or addressing the issues has been slow.
The breach has put both Argentina’s airport security and its police personnel’s trust at risk, emphasizing the need for stronger digital security reforms. The hope is that this incident will lead to better protection of sensitive information, allowing personnel to work without fear of cybercrime.
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