Norway’s Police Security Service (PST) has officially attributed a cyberattack on a dam in western Norway to pro-Russian hackers. The incident, which occurred on April 7, involved the attackers taking control of the dam’s systems and opening outflow valves, releasing a substantial volume of water for four hours before the breach was discovered and stopped. While no injuries or significant damage were reported, the event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to malicious cyber actors.
According to PST chief Beate Gangås, the hack was not aimed at causing large-scale destruction but was a deliberate “demonstrative hack” to showcase the attackers’ ability to target Norway’s vital infrastructure. The incident is part of a growing trend of “hybrid warfare” tactics, which Gangås says have become more prevalent from pro-Russian groups over the past year. These tactics include subversion, influence, polarization, and covert intelligence gathering, all designed to weaken a country without direct acts of war. The goal is to instill fear and unrest among the general population and to identify potential vulnerabilities.
The attack on the Bremanger dam was confirmed in June by Norway’s Criminal Investigation Service Kripos, after pro-Russian hacktivists posted a three-minute video on Telegram showing the dam’s control panel with their group’s watermark. This public display of the intrusion further supports the PST’s assessment that the primary goal was to prove their capability and intimidate rather than to cause physical harm. The video evidence provided a clear link between the attack and a specific pro-Russian group.
The incident has highlighted the escalating cyber threat from Russia, which intelligence chief Nils Andreas Stensønes has called Norway’s “biggest, most unpredictable threat.” Gangås noted that similar Russian-linked actions, including sabotage and arson plots, have been observed across Europe since late 2023, with the aim of spreading unrest and mapping out vulnerabilities. While the intelligence agencies do not anticipate direct interference in the upcoming autumn elections, they remain vigilant about the increasing use of these subtle, yet impactful, methods of disruption.
In response to the accusations, the Russian embassy in Oslo has denied the claims, dismissing them as “unfounded and politically driven.” The embassy accused Norway’s PST o
Norway’s Police Security Service (PST) has officially attributed a cyberattack on a dam in western Norway to pro-Russian hackers. The incident, which occurred on April 7, involved the attackers taking control of the dam’s systems and opening outflow valves, releasing a substantial volume of water for four hours before the breach was discovered and stopped. While no injuries or significant damage were reported, the event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to malicious cyber actors.
According to PST chief Beate Gangås, the hack was not aimed at causing large-scale destruction but was a deliberate “demonstrative hack” to showcase the attackers’ ability to target Norway’s vital infrastructure. The incident is part of a growing trend of “hybrid warfare” tactics, which Gangås says have become more prevalent from pro-Russian groups over the past year. These tactics include subversion, influence, polarization, and covert intelligence gathering, all designed to weaken a country without direct acts of war. The goal is to instill fear and unrest among the general population and to identify potential vulnerabilities.
The attack on the Bremanger dam was confirmed in June by Norway’s Criminal Investigation Service Kripos, after pro-Russian hacktivists posted a three-minute video on Telegram showing the dam’s control panel with their group’s watermark. This public display of the intrusion further supports the PST’s assessment that the primary goal was to prove their capability and intimidate rather than to cause physical harm. The video evidence provided a clear link between the attack and a specific pro-Russian group.
The incident has highlighted the escalating cyber threat from Russia, which intelligence chief Nils Andreas Stensønes has called Norway’s “biggest, most unpredictable threat.” Gangås noted that similar Russian-linked actions, including sabotage and arson plots, have been observed across Europe since late 2023, with the aim of spreading unrest and mapping out vulnerabilities. While the intelligence agencies do not anticipate direct interference in the upcoming autumn elections, they remain vigilant about the increasing use of these subtle, yet impactful, methods of disruption.
In response to the accusations, the Russian embassy in Oslo has denied the claims, dismissing them as “unfounded and politically driven.” The embassy accused Norway’s PST of fabricating a “mythical” Russian sabotage threat. Despite the denial, Norwegian authorities are using the incident to publicly warn the population and encourage preparedness against what they see as a more dangerous and assertive neighbor.
f fabricating a “mythical” Russian sabotage threat. Despite the denial, Norwegian authorities are using the incident to publicly warn the population and encourage preparedness against what they see as a more dangerous and assertive neighbor.
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