An Indonesian hacker group, Hactivist Indonesia, has launched a cyberattack on Malaysian government websites.
According to a 3 February StealthMole X post,the hack is a retaliation to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)’s attack on Indonesian migrant workers on their way to Malaysia.
The attack included the defacing of three Malaysian government websites, including the Malaysian Highway Authority, the Melaka Islamic Religious Council, and the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training.
Deadly altercation at sea
The incident that caused the hack involved an altercation where MMEA officers fired at a boat suspected of carrying Indonesian migrant workers. It resulted in the tragic death of one individual and injury to four others.
The attack has fueled outrage among Indonesian citizens and activists, demanding accountability from Malaysian authorities.
However, the Indonesian government has not commented on the incident at the time of reporting, but pressure is increasing for diplomatic action.
Hactivist Indonesia has said that this attack responded to the perceived injustice and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
The hacker’s action happened amidst a broader trend of hacking, where cyberattacks are used as a tool for voicing social and political grievances.
Recently, there has been a rise in such attacks globally, with hacker groups targeting government institutions to push their agendas.
On 1 January 2025, Chinese government hackers breached the US Treasury office that administers economic sanctions protesting US sanctions on Chinese banks.
They accessed up to 50 files containing sensitive data on sanctions, intelligence, and investigations, exploiting a vulnerability in third-party software.
Uncertain impact and future implications
While the full impact of the website defacements by Hactivist Indonesia remains unclear, the attack is a reminder of how international disputes can spill into the digital space.
This situation highlights how cyber actions have become a major tool in international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
It remains to be seen how both governments will respond, as tensions over migrant worker treatment and cyber retaliation continue to rise.
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