Pro-Russian hackers have launched a major cyberattack on approximately 20 Italian websites, including key financial institutions and major airports, in what appears to be a retaliatory move against growing diplomatic tensions between Rome and Moscow.
According to Italy’s cybersecurity agency, the notorious hacker group Noname057(16) orchestrated the attack, disrupting access to the websites of major banks such as Intesa Sanpaolo, Banca Monte dei Paschi, and Iccrea Banca, alongside Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports.
While the cyber offensive raised alarm across Italy’s security landscape, no major operational disruptions were reported. However, analysts warn that the attack signals an escalating cyberwarfare strategy from Russian-aligned groups against European nations critical of Moscow.
The cyberattack comes in the wake of a controversial speech by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, where he likened Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to Nazi Germany’s expansionist ambitions before World War II. The remarks provoked a furious reaction from Moscow, further straining diplomatic ties. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni later defended Mattarella’s stance, fueling tensions.
Italy’s cybersecurity agency confirmed that Noname057(16) was directly motivated by these remarks, intensifying concerns over how political rhetoric could trigger cyber warfare in an already volatile geopolitical climate.
Despite the gravity of the cyberattack, affected institutions have remained tight-lipped. Intesa Sanpaolo and SEA, which operates Milan’s airports, declined to comment, while a spokesperson for Iccrea Banca assured that their systems remained intact. Banca Monte dei Paschi did not respond to media inquiries.
Noname057(16) has a history of targeting Italian institutions, having previously claimed responsibility for a December 2023 cyberattack on multiple government and financial websites. Cybersecurity experts warn that such incidents could become more frequent as geopolitical hostilities between the West and Russia escalate.
This latest attack underscores the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to state-linked cyber offensives. With Italy standing firm against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, analysts suggest that the country may face more frequent and sophisticated cyber threats in the future.
As the digital battlefield becomes a key front in modern conflicts, experts urge Italian authorities to fortify cyber defenses against what appears to be an increasingly aggressive campaign of cyber espionage and disruption.
Reuters reports.
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