Biman Bangladesh Airlines has failed to regain control of its email server, which was hacked on Friday through the use of ransomware, a type of malware designed to block access to a computer system.

“I’ve already spoken to the managing director of the national flag carrier. Measures are underway in this regard,” State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali said on Wednesday while addressing reporters at an event at a hotel in the capital.

Responding to a question on the reported involvement of Biman employees, who have recently been accused of corruption and irregularities, in the cyber attack, he said a probe body is looking into the matter.

“We are aware of all the possibilities,” Mahbub Ali said, adding that steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents don’t happen in the future.

The hackers demand a ransom when people try to log in or open a file on the server. Following the hacking, the national carrier could not conduct any domestic or international correspondence using its official email.                  There is a risk of information being leaked as officials use Biman’s mailing system for correspondence regarding internal purchases, scheduling and billing.

When asked if any information was leaked after the hackers took over the server, the state minister said it was yet to be determined.

Biman officials said the hackers set a 10-day deadline for the ransom to be paid. They threatened to leak all the information in their hands if the payment was not made.