Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng'oma says suspects of cyber attacking the Department of Immigration and Citizen Services (DICS) Passport Issuing System are reportedly asking for K2 billion to surrender the system.

The Minister failed short of mentioning who these people were but was adamant that government will not bow down to pay ransom. 

He insisted they were already working on the matter claiming they have recovered 90 percent of the Immigration system. 

Ng'oma said the remaining 10 percent will be recovered within the three-week deadline issued by President Lazarus Chakwera. 

The Minister spoke at a news briefing in Lilongwe alongside Brigadier General Charles Kalumo (Retired), Director general of the Immigration Department.  

He went on to say hacking of systems is not 'strange' because it occurs everywhere, including banks: "People hack into financial systems."

Ng'oma asked Malawians for patience as the Ministry, through the Department of Immigration, conducts investigations to determine what happened with the 'hacked' passport system.

"We have engaged into serious investigations which are underway and currently we ask for patience from the public," Zikhale said.

He indicated the Ministry will provide a thorough report through the Department but did not give a timeframe.

Brigadier General Charles Kalumo (Rtired), DG for Immigration Department explaining why they haven't identified the hackers said since the hackers took control of the system, they have not called to demand the ransom.

"Instead have shown a message on the computer screen, whichImmigration officers see when they open the computers." 

Kalumo stated that unity and harmony will be required as the investigations go.

"This attack is not an individual attack; it is directed towards the people of Malawi, which is why we need to unite and cooperate as we seek for those who attacked us."

The Department has been giving out temporary travel documents. 

Civil society groups have called for the immediate removal of Ng'oma and Kalumo from office due to the mess.