The French government remained unshaken by a cyberattack said to be unparalleled in intensity and allegedly carried out by pro-Russian hackers.
Despite targeting 800 administrative centres simultaneously over 48 hours starting Sunday, state operations continued unscathed. Civil Service Minister Stanislas Guerini, from Rennes in northwest France, emphasized that communication remained intact, ensuring civil servants were promptly informed, thus maintaining state stability.
During his visit to a government network centre, Guerini elaborated on the extensive scale and sophistication of the cyber onslaught but remained cautious about attributing blame. The attack was claimed by a group identifying as Anonymous Sudan, though Guerini pointed to a more likely connection with pro-Russian factions.
The assault targeted various French ministries, including those responsible for the economy, culture, and environment, as well as the prime minister’s office and civil aviation authority. Guerini underscored the documented ties between these cybercriminal groups and Russian networks, framing the cyberattack as part of broader hybrid warfare tactics against national entities.
This disclosure comes amid President Emmanuel Macron’s recent acknowledgement of hybrid warfare strategies employed by Russia, including cyberattacks on French hospitals. In a television interview, Macron underscored the necessity for Europe to prepare for potential escalations in the conflict with Russia amidst ongoing debates over France’s military support for Ukraine.
