Dutch ports experienced disruptive digital attacks orchestrated by pro-Russian cybercriminals, causing extended downtime for the affected websites. The NoName057 (16) group claimed responsibility for the attacks, suggesting it was in response to the Netherlands’ plans to procure Swiss tanks for Ukraine. Cybersecurity expert Tom Hegel highlighted the group’s focus on DDoS attacks, particularly after the Russian invasion, targeting sectors like banking, defense suppliers, and logistics companies in NATO states. The port companies of Groningen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Den Helder confirmed the DDoS attacks, impacting their online operations.
The onslaught rendered websites of port companies in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Den Helder inaccessible for several hours, with the Groningen Seaport’s site offline throughout the weekend. NoName057 (16), characterized as hacktivists, employs amateur tools effectively, aiming to gain attention and publicize their successes on Telegram channels. The group’s motives are tied to political objectives, with a specific focus on opposing actions that go against Russia. Notably, the attacks were in response to the Dutch decision to purchase tanks for Ukraine.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority identified the attackers as a Russian group, with the assaults originating from Russian and Serbian IP addresses. Fortunately, the damage was limited to website unavailability, and essential systems for shipping handling, running on separate servers, remained uncompromised. While the attacks disrupted online information dissemination, the impacted port companies maintained business continuity through other channels.
