Cyber security operation

12 May 2017

The Romanian Intelligence Service’s National Cyberint Center successfully countered a cyber-attack attempt most likely perpetrated by an entity associated with the APT28 / Fancy Bear cybercrime ring. SRI conducted its action based on a notification from NATO and the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE).

A cyber-attack attempt against a Romanian public institution was identified, most likely originating with players previously associated with such incidents. Due to the efficient cooperation among institutions, the attack and any negative consequences thereof were prevented, and the targets as well as the attackers’ methods were identified.  

What is relevant in terms of cyber security is that this was not the first such attempt. Thousands of cyber-attacks are perpetrated daily against institutions, entities and persons in the virtual space, and Romania is no exception.  

We believe that the technological level of the attacks will significantly increase in the near future, which calls for the adoption of a clear and pragmatic legal framework stipulating well-defined powers and responsibilities in this field.

The Service’s success in preventing the attack was also due to the “National system for the protection of critical IT&C infrastructures against cyberspace threats”, which was set up by the Romanian Intelligence Service with the help of EU grants.

Other national security bodies were also involved in the operation.