**Italian Foreign Ministry and Airports Hit by Cyber Attack**
A group of pro-Russian hackers targeted the websites of Italy’s Foreign Ministry and two airports in Milan on December 28. The Italian cybersecurity agency (ACN) reported that the attacks were a denial-of-service (DDoS) type, which overwhelmed the websites with excessive traffic.
The hacker group NoName057(16) claimed responsibility for the attack on their Telegram channel. They wrote “Russophobes get a well-deserved cyber response.”
**Websites Down, Flights Not Affected**
The attacks started at 8 am local time and caused the websites of the Foreign Ministry and the Milan-Malpensa and Milan-Linate airports to shut down temporarily. However, the agency said that no flights were disrupted by the attack.
**Background: Pro-Russian Hacking Groups**
Pro-Russian hacking groups have targeted multiple European countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These groups aim to challenge Western countries’ support for Ukraine. Italy recently approved a decree extending military support to Ukraine through 2025.
**Statement from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni**
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has consistently supported Ukraine and pledged unwavering assistance until the war ends.
