Hackers Breach National ID & Registration Department Website, Issue 24-Hour Ultimatum

Introduction

A reported cyber-attack on Nepal’s National ID system is raising alarm bells. According to circulating media reports, hackers breached the National ID and Registration Department website and issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the release of alleged offender Durga Prasai. While the full details remain unverified, the incident underscores pressing concerns about data security, government cyber-defences and citizen trust.

What the Report Claims

• Hackers accessed the National ID Department website and may have obtained sensitive records.
  
• They issued a 24-hour deadline for the release of Durga Prasai, purportedly threatening data exposure or disruption.
  
• The attack highlights how vulnerable critical infrastructure can be if security lapses exist.
  

Current Verification Status

• The link you provided from MyRepublica returned an internal error, so the full story wasn’t accessible.
  
• Other reputable sources (so far) do not clearly corroborate the details of the ultimatum involving Durga Prasai.
  
• However, independent reports show Nepal’s national ID system and other government websites have been targeted by hackers previously. For example, multiple government websites went down in a major denial-of-service attack in 2023. myRepublica+3Nepali Times+3Online Khabar+3
  
• Parliamentarians have raised questions over biometric and personal data security of millions of Nepalis in the national ID scheme. Ekantipur
  
• While the claim might be real, it is wise to emphasise the “reportedly”-language until full verification.
  

Why This Matters 

• Citizen privacy risk: If hackers obtained personal identity data, that poses a huge threat to individuals.
  
• National security risk: A breach in the national ID system undermines trust in government authentication, services, migration records and more.
  
• Institutional trust: The government’s capacity to protect critical infrastructure is under scrutiny.
  
• Political implications: The involvement of Durga Prasai and the ultimatum angle could mean political or ideological dimensions, not just pure cybercriminal motives.
  
• Digital transformation warning: As Nepal digitises services, incidents like this show how readiness and resilience must keep pace.
  

What Should Be Done Immediately

• The National ID Department should issue an official statement clarifying the extent of any breach, data compromised, and steps being taken.
  
• Conduct a full forensic cyber-investigation: identify vulnerabilities, trace attack vector, hold perpetrators accountable.
  
• Inform citizens: provide guidance on what to do if their identity or data was exposed (monitoring, freeze services etc.).
  
• Review and strengthen cybersecurity: network segmentation, backups, intrusion detection, regular audits, staff training.
  
• Legal and regulatory review: tighten laws governing data protection, incident disclosure, and rights of affected citizens.
  

What Citizens Should Do

• Stay alert for suspicious communications claiming to be from the government about national ID services.
  
• Monitor any unusual activity in personal identity, such as new ID cards, changes in data, account takeovers.
  
• Use official channels to verify any claims related to national ID and changes in policy.
  
• Encourage the government and media to provide transparent updates.
  

Conclusion

The reported breach of the National ID & Registration Department website with the dramatic angle of a 24-hour ultimatum tied to Durga Prasai may still be subject to verification. But even if only partly true, it shines a spotlight on systemic vulnerabilities in Nepal’s digital governance. Protecting citizen identity data, reinforcing institutional cyber-defence, and maintaining public trust are more critical than ever.