The UK National Crime Agency and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation are assisting the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service in the inquiry into a cyberattack on the Cayman Government.

Deloitte is performing an independent review and assessment of the “security event”.

The island government has been forced to call on cybersecurity professionals and a statement on Friday assured Caymanians that the February 9 attack was unsuccessful, stating that no government systems were compromised.

The attack came just days after the government published cyber safety advice to the country’s business community.

The Cayman News Service said last week’s official statement about the attack came after the government had been largely silent following earlier press inquiries.

CNS stated: “It’s not clear why it has taken almost two weeks for officials to comment on the situation, given public concerns that their private data held by the government might have been compromised, undermining trust just as the ministry responsible is preparing to roll out a national identification system.”

The news organisation added: “Following further inquiries by CNS, the government has now said it has engaged local consultants to ensure it can continue to repel attempts to breach the systems.”

The Bermuda Government was also hesitant to share details of a cyberattack that crippled some of their online systems in September.

But the attack made international headlines. The Associated Press reported that Bermuda systems were hit with a very sophisticated attack, in an article surprisingly datelined from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The AP quoted David Burt, the Premier, that a new, stronger and more secure network was being built with help from overseas experts.

And while Mr Burt pointed an accusatory finger at Russia for the Bermuda attack, Cayman authorities were somewhat more circumspect in their remarks.

The statement from CIG Cyber Security Office said: “Any public speculation as to who was behind the attack is unhelpful and reckless.

“The attribution of precisely who was behind the thwarted attack is under investigation by RCIPS working with our global law enforcement partner agencies in the UK, namely the National Crime Agency National Cyber Security Centre and the FBI in the US.”

It said the cybersecurity Office, along with the Computer Services Department, the Department of eGovernment and other regulatory authorities, continue to monitor and combat cyber threats to protect systems and services.