Authorities in Poland have launched an investigation into a cyberattack targeting the nation’s railway system, according to reports from Polish media.
The cyberattack, which took place overnight, involved hackers infiltrating railway frequencies to disrupt traffic in the northwestern region of the country. The Polish Press Agency (PAP) reported that during the attack, signals were manipulated to incorporate recordings of Russia’s national anthem and a speech by President Vladimir Putin.
Poland, a significant transit point for Western weaponry destined for Ukraine, finds itself in a critical geopolitical position amid ongoing tensions.
The incident on Saturday transpired when hackers managed to transmit a signal that prompted an emergency halt of trains in the vicinity of the city of Szczecin. Approximately 20 trains were brought to a standstill as a result, but services were promptly restored within a matter of hours.
Stanislaw Zaryn, a prominent security official, revealed that Poland’s internal security service, ABW, has initiated an investigation into the matter. Zaryn stressed that no possibilities are being discounted at this point in the inquiry.
Acknowledging a broader context, Zaryn noted, “We are aware that there have been ongoing attempts for several months to destabilize the Polish state.” He emphasized that these efforts appear to be coordinated by the Russian Federation in collaboration with Belarus.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks and highlights the significance of cybersecurity in safeguarding essential services. As the investigation unfolds, Poland’s response to the attack will likely have implications for its cybersecurity strategy moving forward.
