Polish Space Agency POLSA Disconnected Its Network Following a Cyberattack

The Polish space agency POLSA has announced that it has disconnected its network from the internet in response to a cyberattack, revealing a potentially devastating breach of its cybersecurity. The agency revealed that it has taken immediate action to contain the attack and secure data, suggesting that it was the victim of a ransomware attack.

"A cybersecurity incident has occurred at POLSA. The relevant services and institutions have been informed. An analysis of the situation is ongoing. To secure data after the breach, POLSA's network was immediately disconnected from the internet," reads a statement published by the agency on X.

The Situation: A Nation-State Attack Possible?

Experts warn that the attack could be a nation-state attack, particularly from Russia, given Poland's strategic support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. The potential use of a wiper or ransomware could have had various motivations, ranging from sabotage to a diversionary action.

The Vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure

Poland, and more generally Western infrastructure, remains particularly exposed to cyberattacks. The Polish Space Agency's critical infrastructure is just one example of this vulnerability. The attack highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such threats.

The Response: Investigating and Containing the Attack

Deputy Prime Minister of Poland Krzysztof Gawkowski wrote on X that intensive operational activities are underway to identify the perpetrators behind the cyberattack. "Further updates will be provided as the situation develops," he added.

The Support of Experts and Authorities

CSIRT NASK, together with CSIRT MON, is supporting POLSA in efforts to restore the agency's operational functionality. The state agencies responsible for cybersecurity have detected unauthorized access to the teleinformatics infrastructure of the Polish Space Agency," according to a statement by CSIRT NASK.

About the Polish Space Agency

The Polish Space Agency (POLSA; Polish: Polska Agencja Kosmiczna, PAK) is the space agency of Poland, administered by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology. It is a member of the European Space Agency and focuses on developing satellite networks and space technologies in Poland.

About the Attack

The Polish Space Agency was established on 26 September 2014, with its headquarters located in Gdańsk, Poland. The agency has been working to develop a presence in space, but the recent cyberattack has highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

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We will keep you updated on this developing situation as more information becomes available.

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