Nation struggles in aftermath of president’s refusal to pay to end cyber attack, even as hacking group collapsed

The Russia-linked ransomware gang demanded $20 million in ransom — and the overthrow of Costa Rica's elected government. Where does that leave smaller, equally vulnerable nation states?

The president of Costa Rica says his country is "at war", as cyber-criminals cause major disruption to IT systems of numerous government ministries.
Rodrigo Chaves said hackers infiltrated 27 government institutions, including municipalities and state-run utilities.

The Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves has declared a national emergency following cyber attacks from Conti ransomware group on multiple government bodies.

BleepingComputer also observed Conti published most of the 672 GB dump that appears to contain data belonging to the Costa Rican government agencies.

The declaration was signed into law by Chaves on Sunday, May 8th, same day as the economist and former Minister of Finance effectively became the country's 49th and current president.