A wave of cyberattacks hit multiple Italian websites on Saturday, including Milan's main airports and the Foreign Ministry, temporarily disrupting their online services. The pro-Russian hacker group NoName057(16) claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks targeted the websites of Malpensa and Linate airports in Milan, along with the Foreign Ministry and public transport networks in Siena and Turin. Italy's cybersecurity agency managed to contain the attacks within two hours.
While the airports' websites went offline, flight operations continued normally, and travelers could still access services through mobile applications. The attack coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's arrival at Rome's Ciampino Airport.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed this was the third cyber assault on the ministry in three days, stating the attack had "certainly Russian origins." In response, he announced the creation of a new cybersecurity and artificial intelligence department within the ministry.
The hacker group NoName057(16) took to Telegram to claim the attacks, describing them as a "deserved cyber response" to Italian "Russophobes." The group is known for targeting public institutions and strategic sectors in NATO countries that support Ukraine.
Ivano Gabrielli, director of Italy's postal police, noted these attacks follow a pattern of cyber incidents carried out by groups supporting Russia's position in the Ukraine conflict. Italian police have launched an investigation into the attacks, while the National Cybercrime Center continues to support affected organizations and restore services.