ALMA astronomical observatory suspends operations after cyberattack in Chile

cyber attack this weekend has forced ALMA to suspend its astronomical observations. Your scientific data has not been compromised.

The ALMA astronomical observatory , one of the most powerful radio telescopes in the world, located in northern Chile , suffered a cyberattack over the weekend that keeps some of its operations suspended, as reported on Wednesday.

“Last Saturday, October 29, at 06:14 a.m. (10:14 GMT), the ALMA observatory in Chile suffered a cyberattack on its computer systems,” the entity said on its official Twitter account this Wednesday, after the holiday on Monday and Tuesday. in Chile .

In suspension

ALMA said the attack forced it to suspend “astronomical observations and its website”, while its email services “are operating in a limited way”.

Although the threat “has been contained”, the observatory indicated that “given the nature of the episode, it is not yet possible to estimate a timeframe for the return to regular activities”, while observatory specialists continued to work to restore the affected operations.

“The attack did not compromise ALMA ‘s antennas or any scientific data,” assured ALMA , a joint venture between partners from Europe, the United States and Japan, in cooperation with Chile .

In suspension

ALMA said the attack forced it to suspend “astronomical observations and its website”, while its email services “are operating in a limited way”.

Although the threat “has been contained”, the observatory indicated that “given the nature of the episode, it is not yet possible to estimate a timeframe for the return to regular activities”, while observatory specialists continued to work to restore the affected operations.

“The attack did not compromise ALMA ‘s antennas or any scientific data,” assured ALMA , a joint venture between partners from Europe, the United States and Japan, in cooperation with Chile . (AFP)