Central bank website back online, hackers issue ultimatum for gov’t to address grievances  

JUBA, APRIL 11, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – Hackers who took control of South Sudan central bank’s website on Tuesday withdrew their attack and allowed the website to be restored, but threatened to strike again if their demands are not met.

In a statement, the hackers who call themselves ‘Anonymous South Sudan’ demanded that the government slash the dollar exchange rate from SSP850 to SSP400.

The hackers claimed in the statement that the bank has failed to recover from the cyber-attack and that they are the only ones who can fix it.

“We know that you have tried to recover but no way and no option the only option is 100 dollars to be 40,000. The website will work normally [and] we give you 144 hours for this to get done,” the hackers said in their message.

The hackers also warned the government not to try to trace them or retaliate, or they will “show no mercy”.

The central bank has not yet commented on the incident, but cyber security experts warn that such attacks could have serious consequences for the stability and development of the country, especially during the ongoing economic crisis.

“The hackers might have access to sensitive information and could use it for criminal purposes or political manipulation,” says Mike Deng, a cyber security analyst. “They could also inspire copycat attacks or trigger a chain reaction of cyber insecurity.”