Victim of a cyberattack, the government of Montenegro accuses Russia
Montenegro is asking for international help after being the victim of a major cyberattack. This is the second attack against computer systems, after a first wave having hit institutions in the country in the wake of a motion of censure which overthrew his government on August 19.
After meeting the National Security Council late Friday, the head of government Dritan Abazovic, who manages current affairs, did not speak on the origins of this attack, but his interior minister designated Russia. Moscow added Montenegro to its list of “enemy countries”after its alignment with European Union sanctions.
This is’“very sophisticated attacks that cannot be carried out by individuals”, Interior Minister Rasko Konjevic told state television. “Who could have any sort of political interest to inflict such damage on Montenegro? I find that there are enough (elements) to doubt that Russia is behind the attack. »
The computer systems of several institutions have been “infected”including that of the Ministry of Finance, declared the Prime Minister, while the Minister of the Public Service ensures that “Citizens’ and companies’ accounts, like their data, are not at risk”.
Several media, citing a “informal briefing” for the local press at the National Security Agency (ANB), claim on Saturday that the attack is led by “several Russian services”. According to the same source, “all essential infrastructure” are at risk, including electricity and water supply systems. The power plants have switched to the manual mode of operation.