A cyberattack has targeted the IT systems of Poland’s Civic Platform party, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The attack is part of growing concerns about foreign interference in Poland’s upcoming presidential election, scheduled for May 2025. Poland’s role in supporting Ukraine has made it a key target for Russia’s security services, although Russia denies any involvement. Tusk pointed to foreign interference, with Polish officials suggesting an Eastern connection to the attack.
The country’s Digital Affairs Minister, Krzysztof Gawkowski, described the incident as serious, with security services working intensively on it. Gawkowski did not confirm the identity of the foreign actors involved, but evidence pointed to eastern countries. The head of Tusk’s office, Jan Grabiec, noted the attack’s specific data suggested the involvement of Russian or Belarusian services. He also mentioned the frequent use of Belarusian services to mask Russian activities.
Reports indicate that the Civic Platform party’s IT systems were compromised by malicious software spread via a local activist’s account. The attacker sent emails from this account to a parliamentary account, raising alarm over potential election interference. There have been claims that this incident could be a precursor to broader attempts to influence the election, with some opposition figures drawing parallels to past electoral disruptions in other countries.
Poland has already experienced multiple cyberattacks, including one on its space agency in March and a previous attack on its state news agency in 2024. In addition, Polish authorities have identified a Russian group that allegedly aims to disrupt the Polish election through disinformation campaigns. Poland and its allies have also accused Russia of being behind acts of sabotage and arson across Europe, although Russia denies these allegations.
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