Russian hacker group disrupts access to key state platforms amid pivotal presidential election.
On election day in Romania, several government websites were targeted by a cyber attack attributed to a Russian hacker group.
Reports indicate that the attack caused significant disruptions, with multiple platforms becoming inaccessible to users attempting to access election results and other state services.
The cyber assault occurred as Romanian voters participated in a crucial presidential election, where hard-right candidate George Simion emerged as a frontrunner after the first round of voting.
Simion, who has publicly expressed admiration for former U.S. President
Donald Trump, is poised to compete against establishment candidate Crin Antonescu and centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan in a runoff slated for later this month.
The Romanian government has condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in the context of national elections.
Cybersecurity experts have raised concerns regarding the vulnerability of electoral infrastructure to such attacks, particularly in an environment where misinformation and disinformation campaigns are prevalent.
The timing of the attack has drawn attention, as it coincides with heightened political tensions in Romania and the significance of the electoral outcome for the country’s political landscape.
Romania's foreign ministry previously indicated that external influences and political factors could impact domestic processes, further complicating the electoral environment.
In light of these developments, authorities are investigating the extent of the attack and implementing measures to safeguard electoral integrity as the nation moves toward a decisive runoff election.