[UPDATED] Hacker defaces Immigration website

KUALA LUMPUR – The Immigration Department’s official website has been hacked, causing the department to shut down the online page for “temporary maintenance”. 

A spokesman from the Communications and Digital Ministry confirmed with reporters in a WhatsApp group that the department’s portal at www.imi.gov.my had experienced a cyber attack. 

“Access to the website has been temporarily closed to allow the department’s information technology and records division to resolve the issue in collaboration with CyberSecurity Malaysia,” the spokesman said. 

In a statement, the department said that the site’s display page was hacked at around 2am today, and that other online links linked to the agency were unaffected. 

“The department has taken immediate steps to restrict public access to the website while undertaking recovery works and configuring the website’s security,” it said. 

Assuring that no information was leaked, it also advised the public to avoid spreading speculation and assumptions that might cause public confusion.  

“The website is expected to be open to public access this evening,” it added.

As of press time, the page remains inaccessible on mobile devices and computers while a Google search for the page leads users to a link named “Hacked by Captain Smok3r.” 

A photo of the hacked website as captured on Lowyat.net shows a picture of a man with the caption “just for fun” and a message in Persian. 

In a brief post on social media this morning, the department said that its online portal was undergoing temporary maintenance. 

“For any questions, please contact the Online Inquiry System (SPO). Any inconvenience is deeply regretted,” the post on Facebook said. 

The post did not make any mention of a hacking attempt, nor did it state when the site would be up and running again.  

In February, it was reported that the Penang government’s official website was similarly hacked, compromising the personal information of over 600,000 citizens. 

The leaked data was allegedly uploaded to the “BreachForums” forum site on January 18 by a user called “LeakBase.” – The Vibes, April 4, 2023