Cyberattack paralyzes mining concessions system in Peru: Ingemmet under threat from hackers. Urgent measures are required.

A unprecedented cyberattack has shaken the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute of Peru (Ingemmet), leaving its mining concessions repository hostage to hackers demanding a ransom in exchange for releasing valuable information. Since July 14th, the Ingemmet server has been hacked, putting at risk one of the fundamental pillars for the development of mining in the country. The situation has caused a halt in the reception of new mining petition requests, equivalent to a virtual cessation in the processing and titling of mining concessions in Peruvian territory. The seriousness of this incident lies in the fact that Ingemmet has never before faced a cyberattack of this magnitude in its history, generating concern and uncertainty in the mining sector and the community at large. Ingemmet's e-cadastre, recognized as one of the most advanced and comprehensive internationally, has been key to the development of modern mining in Peru. Experts like Javier Aguilar from the World Bank point out that the country's mining cadastre has been essential in attracting investments and ensuring legal security for mining operations in the region. In response to this scenario, Ingemmet issued a statement informing about technical issues in its IT infrastructure, without detailing the nature of the cyberattack. However, they assured that they are working to restore the affected services and ensure the integrity of the country's mining and geological information. Relevant authorities, including the High Technology Crime Investigation Division (Divindat - PNP), have been notified about this incident and it is expected that the corresponding investigations will be carried out to identify those responsible and prevent similar situations from recurring in the future. Former Director of Mining Promotion and Development at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Oswaldo Tovar, highlighted the importance of the mining cadastre as the backbone of the mining sector, as it is the map that identifies each mining concession and guarantees the security of investments in the country. The possibility that the cyberattack seeks to manipulate records of rights payments and penalties represents a serious threat to the stability of the mining sector. The Ministry of Energy and Mines has provided technical support to Ingemmet to restore the online system for processing mining petitions and allow investors to resume their application requests. Legal security and the integrity of mining information are fundamental aspects that must be protected to maintain investors' confidence and ensure the sustainable development of the mining industry in Peru. Amidst this cyber crisis, it is crucial to take the necessary measures to strengthen cybersecurity in government institutions and mining sector companies. Data protection and prevention of cyberattacks should be priorities in an increasingly digitized and connected world. A quick and effective response to these types of threats is essential to prevent devastating consequences in key sectors of the national economy such as mining.