Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attributed a cyberattack involving the Italian foreign minister’s personal data to pro-Russian hackers who were purportedly motivated by the NATO country’s strong support for Ukraine.
Meloni said on Saturday she stands by Antonio Tajani, who also serves as vice president of Italy’s Council of Ministers, “over what has come to light regarding the activities of pro-Russian hackers and the dissemination of personal data relating to him on the dark web.”
Personal data belonging to Tajani was stolen and published on the dark web, exposing the foreign minister to threats and intimidation. It is unclear what the information specifically entails, but Tajani said the hackers were “willing to pay for more details about me and my loved ones.”
The politician said the Italian government’s support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia was the “political reason” for why he was targeted. Unlike Meloni, he did not specify who he believed the culprits were.
“Defending the freedom of a sovereign state, taking a clear stand in support of a nation’s democracy and independence, is dangerous in the eyes of these criminal entities,” Tajani posted on X.
“I will not be intimidated in any way,” he wrote. “I will continue working to defend my ministry and Italy, and I will continually strengthen ties and cooperation with our allies so that we can protect ourselves together.”
Meloni denounced the leak, saying the “sale of confidential information about institutional representatives is a cause of serious concern and must be tackled with the utmost determination.”
She also expressed concern over the “circulation of false images,” which were shared by members of the opposition in Italy. “Freedom of expression must never become a breeding ground for disinformation,” the prime minister warned.
HACKERS TARGET REFRIGERATORS AT FRENCH SUPERMARKETS, OVERHEATING THEM AND CAUSING FIRES
Recent cyberattacks have been causing trouble across Europe, causing flights to divert due to hoax bomb threats and tampering with refrigeration systems at supermarkets in an apparent effort to disrupt the food supply.
Tajani, in his capacity as foreign minister, has taken steps this year to protect Italy from foreign cyberactors linked to hostile countries or criminal entities. On Jan. 1, he established a “cyber directorate” to safeguard against such threats. Tajani said the hackers targeting him and his family were reacting to Italy’s countermeasures against cyberattacks.