Tonga's Government Mum On Health Cyber Breach

Thursday, 26 June 2025, 7:56 pm
Article: RNZ

Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific Senior Journalist

The Tongan government has yet to reveal more details about a cyber breach of its health records that occured 10 days ago.

The breach by hackers and their subsequent demand for payment were revealed in parliament four days after the event.

A cyber expert from Australia has been in the country for nearly a week, and local media report that more personnel are being brought in.

Meanwhile, concern about illegal access to health records is mounting, amid a requirement that patients bring any medical records they have into the country's hospitals as staff are now relying on manual data.

Former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni wants a full explanation from the government, but most of the country's leaders are in Ha'apai this week for the annual conference of the Wesleyan Church.

Police have said that the hackers have demanded a payment in "the millions".

A media conference scheduled for later on Thursday is expected to shed more light on the issue.

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ