Instituto Federal do Pará

IFPA, also known as Instituto Federal do Pará, is a Brazilian public education institution. It operates as part of the federal network of professional, scientific and technological education. Its core mission is to provide professional, technological and higher education to students in the state of Pará. The institution offers a range of courses spanning technical training, undergraduate and graduate programs.

As a public federal institute, IFPA receives funding and oversight from the Brazilian federal government. It serves a diverse student population seeking qualifications that align with regional labor market needs. The institute emphasizes practical training and collaboration with local industries and community organizations. Its educational model integrates classroom instruction with hands‑on laboratory and workshop experiences.

In January 2023, IFPA was targeted by a ransomware attack claimed by the BlackCat group, which alleged that ransom demands had been ignored and threatened to release employee and student data. The attackers provided directory screenshots as proof of access, though no file contents were displayed. The institution did not publicly acknowledge the incident or respond to media inquiries regarding the attack. This event highlights the cybersecurity challenges faced by public educational entities in Brazil.