The long-standing border dispute between these two countries, dating back to the 19th century, has intensified as hackers from both sides decided to launch cyberattacks on each other’s government websites.
Peru and Chile are at odds over control of a 39,900 square kilometer area of the Pacific Ocean. Previously, the two countries have also shown no mercy regarding the ownership of Pisco, a popular alcoholic beverage. Peru claims this drink as its own, yet it is registered, produced, and marketed by Chile. Citizens even provoke each other over which country has better seafood.
Most recently, the website of Peru’s Ministry of Justice was targeted by a Chilean hacker. One of the messages posted on the site read: “We fight for what belongs to us. The ocean and Pisco are Chilean.”
Peruvian officials reported that the attack occurred after a Peruvian hacker, known as Cyber Alexis, allegedly breached the Chilean National Emergency Office’s website, declaring: “We can do whatever we want according to the law and on our territory.”
Both countries are now working to repair and upgrade their website systems to guard against further breaches in the future.
