Russian Hacker Group Targets Italian Airports and Foreign Ministry
Italian police are currently investigating cyberattacks against several websites, including those of Milan’s airports and the foreign ministry, claimed by a pro-Russian group. The websites of the ministry, Malpensa and Milan-Linate airport, and the transport systems in Siena and Turin were all affected, according to national cybersecurity police.
Foreign Minister’s Response
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that this was the third hacker attack on the foreign ministry in the last three days. He stated that the attack was of Russian origin and has since ordered the creation of a new cybersecurity and artificial intelligence department within the ministry. Tajani emphasized the need to enhance security measures in Italy’s embassies following the attack.
Pro-Russian Hacker Group Claim Responsibility
The pro-Russian hacker group NoName057(16) took responsibility for the attacks in a Telegram post, as confirmed by cybersecurity police spokesman Marco Valerio Cervellini. Ivano Gabrielli, the director of Italy’s postal police, noted that similar attacks have been ongoing for three days, primarily targeting infrastructures and ministerial sites by groups supporting the Russian war in Ukraine.
Cyberattack Echoes MH17 Incident
The Russian intelligence services were previously blamed for a large-scale cyberattack against Ukraine on Dec. 20, leading to the suspension of several government sites. The Cybersecurity Department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has launched a criminal investigation into the cyberattack, with suspicions pointing towards groups linked to the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency. The possibility of data leakage is being assessed as part of the ongoing investigation.
This recent cyberattack not only highlights the growing concerns surrounding cybersecurity but also the broader implications of geopolitical tensions on digital warfare. As technology continues to advance, the threat of cyberattacks becomes more prevalent, affecting critical infrastructure and governmental operations. It’s crucial for nations to prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard against such threats and ensure the resilience of their systems in an increasingly connected world.
