Polish Space Agency Offline as it Recovers from Cyberattack

The Polish Space Agency (POLSA), a key player in European space exploration, has been left offline since the weekend, struggling to contain a devastating cyberattack on its IT infrastructure. In an effort to mitigate the damage, the agency disconnected its systems from the internet, leaving its operations and services unavailable.

According to POLSA, the breach was detected soon after, prompting the agency to inform relevant authorities and launch an investigation into the incident. "There has been a cybersecurity incident at POLSA," the agency stated on Sunday. "The relevant services and institutions have been informed. The situation is being analyzed." While no further details have been released regarding the nature of the attack or its suspected cause, sources close to the agency revealed that staff were instructed to use their mobile phones as an alternative to email after the attackers compromised POLSA's systems.

Despite the agency's efforts to keep the public informed, there has been an unsettling silence since Sunday. However, sources within the organization have confirmed that POLSA is working closely with the Polish Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT NASK) and the Polish Military Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT MON) to restore impacted services.

"In connection with the incident, the systems under attack were secured," said Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland's Minister of Digital Affairs. "CSIRT NASK, together with CSIRT MON, supports POLSA in activities aimed at restoring the operational functioning of the Agency." He added that intensive operational activities are underway to identify the perpetrators behind the cyberattack and vowed to provide further information on an ongoing basis.

Established in September 2014, POLSA is a valued member of the European Space Agency (ESA), with priorities focused on supporting Poland's burgeoning space industry and enhancing national defense capabilities through satellite systems. The agency also plays a key role in helping Polish entrepreneurs access funding opportunities from the ESA and collaborating with other ESA members, EU partners, and countries on various space exploration projects.

The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks in the space sector, where sensitive information and critical infrastructure are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation by malicious actors. As the new frontier of cyber threats continues to evolve, it is essential for organizations like POLSA to remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity measures.