Mogadishu: SiltaNews – News Desk
The Immigration and Citizenship Agency of Somalia (HSJ) has confirmed that an illegal data breach has targeted portions of the country’s electronic traveler information system (e-TAS), triggering a rapid government response and an ongoing national investigation.
According to the agency, the breach was detected recently, prompting HSJ to immediately initiate containment measures and begin a detailed inquiry into how the incident occurred. Officials say the priority is to understand the scope of the breach, prevent further harm, and safeguard the integrity of the national travel database.
The Federal Government of Somalia has taken the issue seriously, establishing a national investigative committee to lead the probe. The team comprises security agencies, international forensic experts, and government institutions responsible for data protection. Their mandate includes determining the origin of the attack, the method used to breach the system, and any potential impacts on citizens or travelers.
Authorities have committed to releasing a comprehensive report once the investigation concludes. This report will outline the findings, confirm the extent of any compromised data, and detail the corrective actions undertaken. During the investigation period, individuals potentially affected by the breach will be notified directly. HSJ emphasized that all official updates will only be issued through government channels to prevent misinformation. The public, including international travelers, is urged to rely solely on communications from the Immigration and Citizenship Agency.
The agency condemned the breach, reiterating that the protection of citizens’ data remains its top priority. Officials also announced measures to reinforce digital security systems, adopting global best practices in data protection and multi-factor authentication across all HSJ services to prevent future incidents. HSJ encouraged anyone seeking clarification or urgent support to contact the e-TAS support office through the official telephone number or email provided.