Italian foreign minister's data leaked on dark web

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 7 Nov, 17:13 · Archive

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says cybercriminals published his personal data on the dark web, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blaming pro-Russian hackers.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Saturday that cybercriminals had published his personal data on the dark web. He said the hackers were seeking additional information about him and his family, and were prepared to pay for further details.

Tajani did not specify what kind of information had been shared, but indicated the threat was ongoing. He said the cybercriminals were 'seeking other information, in fact exposing me and my family to new threats and intimidation'. In his statement, Tajani said Italy's 'position on Ukraine is the political reason I have been targeted'.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed pro-Russian hackers for the incident and expressed solidarity with Tajani. She called the attempt to sell confidential information about government officials 'a matter of grave concern that must be addressed with the utmost determination'. Tajani, who is also deputy prime minister, said he would 'not allow myself to be intimidated in any way'.

Tajani said the government was taking the threats seriously and coordinating its response with allied countries. He suggested the cyberattack may also be a reaction to Italian government efforts to strengthen the Foreign Ministry's digital defences.

The incident comes as Europe faces a series of suspected hybrid attacks, including hoax bomb threats that have forced flight diversions, attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems, and drone incursions across NATO territories. Moscow has not publicly responded to the allegations of responsibility.

How it is being reported

• Italian foreign minister says hackers leaked his personal dataPrime Minister Giorgia Meloni has blamed pro-Russian hackers for publishing the details online.BBC News · 7 Nov, 16:50
• Italy's Meloni blames pro-Russian hackers for cyberattack on ministerAntonio Tajani has said hackers published personal data stolen from him as Giorgia Meloni blamed pro-Russia criminals for the incident. The news follows a string of bomb threats that have grounded flights across the EU.DW News · 7 Nov, 14:07
• Pro-Russian hackers leak Italian foreign minister’s data on dark webThe prime minister blames pro-Russian hackers for the leak, as her top diplomat says the cyberthreat was ongoing.Al Jazeera · 7 Nov, 12:29
• Italy's foreign minister says cybercriminals spread his personal data on the dark webItalian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says his personal data has been leaked on the dark web, exposing him to threats and intimidationIndependent World · 7 Nov, 10:22

In this story: Antonio Tajani · Giorgia Meloni · Italy · Ukraine · Russia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log