106/68 Tuesday, March 18, 2025
On March 11, 2025, Yap State, one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), was targeted by a ransomware attack, forcing the Department of Health to shut down all networks and computer systems to contain the damage. FSM, an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, consists of the states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. Yap, home to approximately 11,000 people, is known for its traditional culture, Rai Stone currency, and diverse marine ecosystems.
A statement on the Department of Health’s Facebook page confirmed that the attack was detected at 3:00 PM local time. The IT team immediately took all systems offline to prevent the malware from spreading, causing disruptions to internet access, email services, and digital records.
Currently, the Yap State Department of Health is collaborating with the FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs and external IT contractors to assess the extent of the attack and its impact on data. While public health services remain operational, they are experiencing delays. The department has urged residents to be patient and stay updated on further developments.
