Albania’s Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) has announced that on January 31, 2024, its information systems were the target of a sophisticated cyberattack.

INSTAT responded promptly and professionally to prevent and minimize possible damages from the attack, immediately disconnecting internet connections and activating emergency protocols to ensure the protection of data and statistical information.

Currently, from the initial examinations conducted by Information Technology experts, some of INSTAT’s systems have been affected by the attack.

INSTAT’s immediate response includes the assistance of national experts in cybersecurity, who are pooling their resources to conduct a thorough investigation into this attack. The main objectives include identifying the root causes of the attack, assessing the extent of the damage, and devising effective solutions to mitigate future risks.

INSTAT assures the public that Census data is not the target of this attack, as it is stored in separate specialized systems for this purpose only.

According to previous media statements of INSTAT’s director, census data is expected to be published in June this year.

INSTAT is closely collaborating with competent authorities to investigate and identify the source and motives of the cyberattack and to restore normal operation of its information systems and strengthen cybersecurity measures.

Iranian hacker group Homeland Justice is reportedly behind the attack.

In a statement made on social networks, this group has announced that it managed to hack the website of instat.gov.al.

This is not the first time Homeland Justice has attacked Albanian institutions.

On December 25, even the Parliament of Albania admitted that it had been attacked, and there had been an attempt to breach infrastructure in order to delete data. On the same day, the group also claimed to have attacked a cellular company operating in Albania.