The Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) in Albania disclosed on Thursday that it fell victim to a sophisticated cyberattack, affecting some of its crucial systems.
The INSTAT, responsible for collecting and analyzing statistical data, issued a statement revealing that its systems were specifically targeted in what is described as a "sophisticated cyberattack" that unfolded on Wednesday, as per Daily Mail.
Albania's Rapid Response to Escalating Cyber Threats
A masked hacker, part of the Anonymous group, hacks the French presidential Elysee Palace website on January 20, 2012 near the eastern city of Lyon. Anonymous, which briefly knocked the FBI and Justice Department websites offline in retaliation for the US shutdown of file-sharing site Megaupload, is a shadowy group of international hackers with no central hierarchy. On the left screen, an Occupy mask is seen.
In order to protect its critical data, INSTAT immediately stopped internet connections and turned on emergency procedures after discovering the incident. The coordinated reaction was designed to reduce any harm and protect important data. Expert examinations indicate that just a small portion of INSTAT's systems were affected, assuring the public that the security and integrity of data pertaining to a recent census have not been compromised.
The institute is actively collaborating with authorities to identify the origins and motives behind the cyberattack. In an official statement posted on its Facebook page, INSTAT expressed its commitment to resuming normal operations swiftly and fortifying its cybersecurity measures against future threats.
This incident comes in the wake of a cyberattack on Albania's Parliament website in December, further underscoring the increasing frequency of cyber threats targeting the country's institutions. Notably, Albania also experienced a cyberattack in July 2022, with the government and international technology companies attributing the attack to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The incident, believed to be in retaliation for Albania providing shelter to members of the Iranian opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), resulted in the government severing diplomatic relations with Iran.
Despite the allegations, the Iranian Foreign Ministry denied involvement in the attack, asserting that Iran itself has been a victim of cyberattacks orchestrated by MEK. In a show of solidarity, the United States, NATO, and the European Union supported Albania in its response to the cyber threat, according to Euronews.
INSTAT's Strong Response, Ongoing Cyber Probe
In the current scenario, INSTAT's resilience and prompt response to the cyberattack have been commendable. The institute not only disconnected internet connections but also activated emergency protocols to ensure the protection of data and statistical information. Information Technology experts conducted initial examinations, revealing that some of INSTAT's systems bore the brunt of the cyber intrusion.
To delve deeper into the incident, national experts in cybersecurity have joined forces to conduct a thorough investigation. The primary objectives include identifying the root causes of the attack, assessing the extent of the damage incurred, and formulating effective solutions to mitigate future risks. INSTAT, while assuring the public that Census data is not the primary target of the attack, emphasized that such critical information is stored in separate specialized systems designed exclusively for this purpose.
The director of INSTAT has said in media interviews that the census results should be released in June of this year. The director also indicates the need of protecting the data's security and integrity. In an effort to bring its information systems back up to date and strengthen cybersecurity protections, INSTAT is still working closely with authorities that possess the necessary skills to investigate the origin and intentions of the hack.
According to reports, Homeland Justice, an Iranian hacking style, is purportedly behind the assault. A statement that was shared on social media said that the organization had successfully gained access to INSTAT's website.
Homeland Justice has a track record of assaulting Albanian institutions; in December, they admitted that they attempted to infiltrate the Parliament's infrastructure in an effort to remove data. The organization also claimed credit for an assault on an Albanian cellular firm that day. The current state of affairs shows how cyber threats are ever-present and always changing, calling for constant attention to detail and strong cybersecurity defenses in order to protect vital national assets, Associated Press reported.
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