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

France is investigating a potential case of foreign interference after a passenger ferry was infected with malware that could allow the ship to be remotely controlled, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.

The incident occurred when a Latvian national, who was arrested and charged in connection with the case, allegedly installed a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on the ferry's operating system. The RAT, also known as a malware, allows a hacker to gain remote control of a system.

The ferry, named the Fantastic, is owned by Italian shipping company GNV and has a capacity for over 2,000 passengers. It was docked in France's Mediterranean port of Sete when the malware was discovered.

Italian authorities had warned France that the vessel's operating system could have been infected with the RAT, which can be used to take control of a ship's systems and potentially put passengers' lives at risk.

Two crew members were detained last week, including a Latvian national who was charged and placed under arrest in the investigation. The Bulgarian member of the crew was later released.

The Paris prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into a suspected bid by an organized group to attack an automated data-processing system with the aim of serving the interests of a foreign power.

**Concerns Over Security**

Christian Cevaer, director of the France Cyber Maritime monitor, said that any attempt to take control of a ship would constitute a "critical risk" due to the serious physical consequences it could pose to passengers. He also suggested that such an operation would likely require complicity within the crew.

Nunez told France Info radio early Wednesday that the investigation was looking into foreign interference, but refused to name Russia as a potential perpetrator. He said, however, that "these days one country is very often behind foreign interference."

**Ongoing Probes and Threats**

The incident has sparked concerns about foreign interference in France, which has already been investigating around a dozen cases of suspected cyberattacks. These include antisemitic graffiti, pig heads left in front of mosques, and coffins placed at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Nunez also revealed that his ministry had been targeted by a cyberattack in recent days, with a "few dozen confidential files" extracted relating to criminal records and wanted individuals. He attributed this to carelessness, using passwords shared on messaging apps.

**Emergency Searches Conducted**

Emergency searches were conducted in Latvia with the support of Eurojust, the European Union's judicial cooperation arm, and the Latvian authorities. The vessel was subsequently cleared to sail again after technical checks were completed and any danger to those on board ruled out.

The investigation is being led by France's domestic intelligence service, the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), indicating the gravity of the case.

**Uncertainty Surrounding the Case**

Thibault Bailly, the Latvian national's lawyer, disputed the theory that Russia was involved in the cyberattack. He said that "the investigation will shed light on several aspects of this case that are still unclear" and that it would demonstrate that the case is not as worrying as initially thought.

The incident has raised concerns about security threats to ships and passengers, and highlights the need for vigilance in the face of potential cyberattacks.