The Hungarian government has confirmed that the country’s defence procurement agency was hacked by a non-state group, but assures that no sensitive data about the military was compromised. Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, stated that the hackers were a hostile foreign group, but that the most sensitive information accessed was related to military procurement. While plans and data about military equipment were accessed, no information that could harm Hungary’s national security was made public.
The hack was reportedly carried out by a group called INC Ransomware, who downloaded and encrypted all files from the servers of the Defence Procurement Agency. The hackers have posted screenshots of the material online, including information about Hungary’s military capabilities, procurement details, and personal information of army staff. The group has demanded a $5 million ransom in exchange for not making the data public. The incident raises concerns about cyberattacks targeting public institutions, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The European Union’s top cybersecurity official, Juhan Lepassaar, has warned of a significant increase in disruptive cyberattacks since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with ransomware attacks and those targeting public institutions being of particular concern. Lepassaar stated that many of these attacks were first tested in Ukraine before being expanded to EU countries. The hack on Hungary’s defence procurement agency highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on government institutions, even in countries that may not be direct targets of military aggression like Hungary, which shares a border with Ukraine.
Hungary has been focused on modernizing its military since 2017, with efforts to buy new equipment such as tanks and air defence systems. The country has also been building a domestic defence industry to increase self-sufficiency in defense capabilities. The hack on the defence procurement agency raises questions about the security measures in place to protect sensitive military information and the potential consequences of a breach. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard national security and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The Hungarian government has assured that no data accessed by the hackers could compromise NATO, of which Hungary is a member. While the full extent of the breach is yet to be determined, the government is taking steps to investigate the incident and strengthen cybersecurity measures to prevent future attacks. Cybersecurity experts emphasize the need for enhanced protection of critical infrastructure and government systems, given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks targeting public institutions. The hack on Hungary’s defence procurement agency underscores the importance of proactive defense strategies to mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats to national security.
Overall, the hack on Hungary’s defence procurement agency by a foreign hacker group highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on government institutions and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and national security. The incident serves as a wake-up call for governments to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in defense strategies to defend against evolving cyber threats. As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, it is essential for countries to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding critical infrastructure and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.
