Ransomware attack hits K-Electric, disrupts billing, online services

K-Electric, the sole electricity provider for Karachi has suffered a ransomware attack that led to the disruption of billing and online services.

As per details, amid the attack K-Electric customers have been unable to access the online services for their account, and the company appears to be trying to reroute users through a staging site. Furthermore, K-Electric could not issue electricity bills to its consumers in various regions as its billing system became non-functional after the attack.

The ransomware attackers on a Darkweb payment page are demanding $3,850,000 ransom payment, and if the ransom is not paid within another seven days, the ransom will increase to $7.7 million.

The cyberattack has affected KE's Windows computers and backups, and hacked encrypted data is no longer usable. Furthermore, the software purchased to protect against hacking has also been affected by the attack. 

When contacted by Business Recorder, the utility provider said that there is a technical issue pertaining to the IT department, however, the company is trying to resolve the issue at the earliest.

The spokesperson of K-Electric said that due to technical issues, consumers may face duplicate bills, payment of bills, and users may also face problems in accessing the KE Live app.

The spokesperson further said that 118 call center services are available 24 hours a day for emergency and technical complaints.