Namibia’s Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) has confirmed that a recent cybersecurity breach at the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) was carried out by the INC ransomware group, which claims to have exfiltrated approximately 500GB of data.
The incident, detected within NAC’s network infrastructure, involved unauthorised access and data extraction. According to NAM-CSIRT, the attackers announced on 19 March 2026 that they had obtained sensitive information and intend to release it.
The group claims the compromised data includes financial records, human resources information, customer data and contact details. However, authorities said none of the alleged data has been published to date.
NAM-CSIRT said the attackers have issued a deadline, indicating that the data could be released once a countdown expires.
The INC ransomware group is described as a highly active cybercriminal organisation responsible for multiple attacks globally across both public and private sectors. The NAC incident marks the second known attack by the group in Namibia, following a previous breach at the Otjiwarongo Municipality.
The group is known for using “double-extortion” tactics, combining data theft with system encryption to pressure victims into complying with demands.
NAM-CSIRT said it has issued advisories to stakeholders outlining the risks associated with the group and measures to mitigate potential attacks.
Organisations have been urged to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks by implementing best practice controls, including regular system updates, multifactor authentication, secure network access, and employee awareness training.
The agency also emphasised the importance of having incident response plans, disaster recovery systems and business continuity strategies in place.
Investigations into the NAC breach are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full scope and impact of the incident.
The development highlights growing cybersecurity risks in Namibia’s critical infrastructure as cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated.
