Most government services are back up following a cyberattack in September, according to the Premier.

At a press conference on the Throne Speech, which outlined plans to introduce cybersecurity legislation, David Burt said there was no forensic evidence of personal data being exfiltrated.

“Core systems are up, there still continue to be challenges in so far as service delivery. For the most part, things are up but there are still challenges,” added the Premier who again refused to say if the cyberattackers had demanded a ransom.

The Throne Speech said MPs would “take under consideration a Cyberscurity Bill, the draft of which will be amended to reflect recommended statutory strengthening required in the wake of the cyberattack on the Bermuda Government”.

The 2021 Throne Speech outlined plans for a Cybersecurity Act and said: “Data is the new oil and Bermuda must ensure that our cybersecurity defences are adequate to defend our island from dangerous online actors.

“During this legislative session, the Government will introduce a Cybersecurity Act, which will establish minimum standards for cybersecurity for critical assets such as energy supply, telecommunications, water infrastructure and government data.”

Asked why it appeared to be taking a long time to pass cybersecurity legislation, the Premier said: “Legislation is not always simple and the Government passes a lot of legislation every year. Sometime legislation may be more complex. Sometimes legislation may be more urgent.

“The draft of the cybersecurity Bill is going to be updated to reflect the latest items and will be brought before the legislature. I do know a draft has been completed and it is expected to be table in the near future.”

He said he expected it to be tabled in the House on November 24, or in December. On what strengthening was required, the Premier said the Minister of National Security would be able to address that in his Throne Speech press conference.

A joint select committee will investigate the attack and make recommendations to the Government. Mr Burt dismissed claims from the One Bermuda Alliance that it would be weighted with Government MPs and senators and become a political football.

“Parliament is the appropriate space for legislators to understand the issues and to make recommendations to the executive because that is the way that governments function,” said Mr Burt.