**Russian Hackers Target Polish Parties Ahead of Presidential Election**
In a shocking revelation, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has accused Russian hackers of targeting the websites of his ruling coalition parties just two days before the country’s presidential election. According to a report by AP on May 16, the cyberattacks hit the website of Tusk’s Civic Platform party, as well as those of its coalition partners, the Left and the Polish People’s Party (PSL).
**Cyberattack Details**
Tusk took to social platform X to announce the attack, stating that Russian hackers operating on Telegram had launched a targeted assault on the websites of his party. “Our services are conducting intensive operations,” Tusk wrote. “The attack is still on.” The timing of the cyberattacks could not be more suspicious, as they occurred just two days before Sunday’s presidential vote, in which Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, a senior member of Civic Platform, is expected to emerge as the frontrunner.
**Investigations Underway**
Polish authorities are also probing paid political ads on Facebook that were flagged by a state research institute as possible election interference. The National Research and Academic Computer Network (NASK) reported the misleading ads to Meta, which owns Facebook, and claimed that they had been removed. NASK alleged that the ad campaigns were “intended to ostensibly support one of the candidates and discredit others.”
**Poland’s Cybersecurity Challenges**
This incident highlights Poland’s ongoing struggles with cyberattacks in recent years. In 2024, officials reported up to 1,000 daily cyber incidents believed to be carried out by Russian and Belarusian actors. The attacks were linked to Poland’s support for Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion. In September 2024, the Polish government accused Russia and Belarus of extorting information, blackmailing individuals and institutions, and waging a “de facto cyberwar.”
**Europe-Wide Concerns**
Russian hybrid operations in Europe have become more frequent and aggressive since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to reports from government, military, and intelligence officials from 10 countries. The Ukraine-EU memorandum signed in March aims to support joint research, innovation, and EU-funded projects in cross-border cybersecurity projects.
**Commentary**
This cyberattack on Polish parties is a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication and aggression of Russian hacking operations in Europe. As Poland prepares for its presidential election, it’s crucial that authorities take immediate action to safeguard against further interference. The fact that these attacks coincided with Sunday’s vote raises suspicions about potential election tampering.
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