Cyberattack on Italy’s Foreign Ministry and Airports Claimed by Pro-Russian Hacker Group

Rome, Italy — Italy’s Foreign Ministry and several major airports were targeted in a coordinated cyberattack on Monday, which authorities have attributed to a pro-Russian hacker group. The attack disrupted government operations and caused temporary delays in airport services, underscoring the escalating cyber threat landscape in Europe amid geopolitical tensions.

Details of the Attack

The cyberattack, which began in the early hours, focused on Italy’s Foreign Ministry’s communication networks and IT systems of major airports, including Rome’s Fiumicino and Milan’s Malpensa. The pro-Russian hacker group Killnet has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was in retaliation for Italy’s support of Ukraine.

While the Foreign Ministry confirmed no sensitive or classified data was compromised, officials acknowledged the attack disrupted routine operations and forced temporary shutdowns of certain systems. Airports reported brief delays in passenger processing and logistical operations but emphasized that flight schedules were minimally impacted.

Government Response

Italy’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) is leading the investigation into the attack, working alongside law enforcement and international partners. Early analysis indicates a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack was used to overwhelm the targeted systems, a hallmark of Killnet’s previous operations.

“This is a serious and coordinated cyber assault on critical national infrastructure,” said Roberto Baldoni, head of ACN. “Our teams are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact and prevent future incidents.”

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable act of aggression against Italian sovereignty. She reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to cybersecurity and pledged additional resources to strengthen defenses against such threats.

Pro-Russian Hacktivism

Killnet, a notorious pro-Russian hacktivist group, has previously targeted European institutions supporting Ukraine. Analysts suggest the group’s actions align with Russia’s geopolitical interests, though direct state sponsorship remains unproven.

“These attacks are designed to create disruption and send a political message,” said cybersecurity expert Marco Rossi. “While they may not steal data, they aim to undermine public confidence in government institutions and infrastructure.”

Impact on Airports and Passengers

While the immediate impact on airports was contained, passengers faced brief delays at check-in and security due to slow processing systems. Airports have since restored normal operations, but officials remain on high alert for potential follow-up attacks.

“This was an inconvenience, but thankfully, the situation was managed quickly,” said a spokesperson for Aeroporti di Roma, the company managing Fiumicino Airport. “We are now focused on ensuring the safety and efficiency of our services.”

Broader Implications

The attack highlights the growing threat of politically motivated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. European nations, particularly those supporting Ukraine, have been increasingly targeted by pro-Russian hacker groups. This incident underscores the importance of international cooperation in bolstering cyber defenses.

Strengthening Cybersecurity

In response to the attack, Italy is accelerating its plans to enhance national cybersecurity. The government is reportedly considering expanding its cybersecurity budget, increasing collaboration with private-sector technology companies, and enhancing training for critical infrastructure operators.

“This is a wake-up call for all of Europe,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement of solidarity with Italy. “Cybersecurity must remain a top priority as we navigate this era of heightened digital threats.”

Next Steps

Authorities continue to monitor for additional cyber threats and are collaborating with international partners to trace the origins of the attack. The ACN has urged public and private institutions to review their cybersecurity protocols and remain vigilant against potential future incidents.

Conclusion

The cyberattack on Italy’s Foreign Ministry and airports is a stark reminder of the evolving threat landscape. As Italy works to recover and strengthen its defenses, the incident serves as a call to action for nations worldwide to enhance their preparedness against cyber aggression.