**France Probes 'Foreign Interference' After Malware Found on Ferry**

Paris, France - In a shocking discovery, French authorities have launched an investigation into possible "foreign interference" after malware was found on a passenger ferry. The malware, known as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), could potentially allow hackers to remotely control the ship.

The Italian shipping company GNV's ferry, the Fantastic, which has a capacity of over 2,000 passengers, was docked in France's Mediterranean port of Sete when the malware was detected. According to prosecutors, two crew members, a Latvian and a Bulgarian, were detained last week after Italian authorities warned France about the potential security threat.

The Latvian national has been charged and placed under arrest, while the Bulgarian was released. The investigation is being led by France's domestic intelligence service, the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), and includes emergency searches in Latvia with the support of Eurojust, the European Union's judicial cooperation arm.

The interior minister, Laurent Nunez, confirmed that investigators are looking into "interference" but refused to name Russia as the potential culprit. However, he did mention that "these days, one country is very often behind foreign interference." Nunez also revealed that his ministry had been targeted by a cyberattack in recent days, with several dozen confidential files being accessed due to "carelessness."

The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the potential for malicious actors to compromise security systems. Christian Cevaer, director of the France Cyber Maritime monitor, warned that any attempt to take control of a ship would constitute a "critical risk" due to the serious physical consequences it could have on passengers.

GNV emphasized in a statement that they had been the first to alert Italian authorities about the potential security threat and had effectively neutralized the malware without consequence. The company stressed that their computer systems are protected, but the incident has highlighted the need for greater vigilance in the face of growing cyber threats.

The investigation into suspected foreign interference comes as France and other European governments have warned about Moscow's increasing campaign of interference in recent months. With several dozen cases already being examined by Paris prosecutors, including antisemitic graffiti, pig heads left in front of mosques, and coffins placed at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the French government is taking a tough stance against what it sees as a growing threat to national security.

The Fantastic ferry was eventually cleared to sail after technical checks were completed, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the maritime industry. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the threat of foreign interference and cyber attacks on critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly real and requires immediate attention from governments and industries around the world.