A new wave of cyberattacks on Italian banks and other critical infrastructure caused significant disruption. The attacks, primarily Distributed denial of service (DDoS) assaults, targeted major financial institutions and public services, highlighting vulnerabilities in Italy’s digital defenses.
The pro-Russian hacker group, Noname057(16), claimed responsibility for a significant portion of these attacks, which impacted the websites of banks such as Intesa Sanpaolo and Monte dei Paschi (MPS). The attacks also affected the ports of Taranto and Trieste and companies like Vulcanair.
DDoS Cyberattacks Claimed by Noname057(16) on January 2025
Noname057(16)‘s actions, described as Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, involved overwhelming targeted systems with traffic, rendering them inaccessible. This is a common tactic used to disrupt online services and cause significant damage.
The group’s Telegram statement criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for Italy’s support of Ukraine:
“Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed the complete and constant support to Ukraine…Italy should start by helping itself and, first of all, its cybersecurity,” they wrote.
This statement underscores the geopolitical context surrounding these attacks.
Another group, the Palestinian Alixsec, also claimed responsibility for some of the attacks, targeting Olidata among other entities. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the threat landscape and the diverse motivations behind these attacks.
How Italy’s Cybersecurity Agency is Responding to the Latest Cyberattacks on Italian Banks
The Italian cybersecurity agency is actively working to support the targeted firms and authorities. They are providing alerts and assistance to help mitigate the damage and prevent further attacks. The agency’s response is crucial in understanding the effects of DDoS attacks on Italian banking websites and public services.
Public Services Disruption From DDoS Attacks
The attacks weren’t limited to financial institutions. The public services disruption extended to websites of various ministries (foreign affairs, infrastructure and transport), the stock-market regulator Consob, the Carabinieri police, the Navy and Air Force. Public transport companies like Atac (Rome), Amat (Palermo), and Amt (Genoa), along with Milan’s airports, also faced temporary outages.
What Businesses Need to Know About the Recent Wave of Cyberattacks in Italy
Businesses in Italy, and globally, need to review their cybersecurity postu re, ensuring robust defenses against Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and other threats. Investing in advanced security measures, including robust incident response plans, is crucial for mitigating the risks associated with these types of attacks.
The targeted companies (Intesa Sanpaolo, Monte dei Paschi) and other affected organizations serve as case studies in the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures. Understanding the vulnerabilities exploited in these attacks is crucial for developing effective preventative strategies.
This event highlights the need for increased collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and international partners to combat the growing threat of sophisticated cyberattacks. The recent cyberattacks target major Italian banks and public services, demonstrating the urgent need for ongoing investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and expertise.
