Hacktivist groups target Romanian websites

Romania faces increased DDoS attacks from hacktivist groups, escalating since June 2024 due to its military support for Ukraine. Government and banking sectors are primary targets as tensions rise.
Romania, DDoS, Cyberattack, Hackers, Russia, Ukraine

Romania is experiencing a surge in DDoS attacks from various hacktivist groups, according to recent research by ASERT. The attacks, which began intensifying on 2 June 2024, coincide with Romania’s potential transfer of Patriot missiles to Ukraine. On that day, Romanian websites suffered 352 direct-path attacks, peaking at 1016 on 5 June.

Several hacktivist groups, including CyberDragon and the Cyber Army of Russia, have claimed responsibility for the attacks. The primary targets are government entities, with the banking sector being the second most affected. The escalation is also linked to Romania’s discussions with South Korea about expanding defence cooperation and its involvement in arms exports to Europe.

ASERT warns that the intensity of these attacks is likely to continue, particularly following Romania’s agreement to send a Patriot missile system to Ukraine on 20 June 2024. The increasing threat highlights the need for robust DDoS protection solutions to ensure the availability of crucial websites and services.