French Tax Systems Hit by Cyberattacks, Thousands Affected
French government systems faced cyberattacks in June and July, affecting tax and land registry data. Over 678,000 tax accounts and 200,000 land registry accounts were compromised. The hacking group ZeroBytes claimed responsibility and allegedly sold the data. French authorities are enhancing cybersecurity measures, including a new cyber unit and AI testing. France's vulnerability to cybercrime remains a concern.
In a significant breach of French governmental systems, hackers targeted the tax authority and land registry in June and July, affecting hundreds of thousands of households and businesses. The French authorities acknowledged the data theft on August 14, confirming that sensitive information, including names, income details, and tax rates, was compromised.
The Public Finance agency (DGFiP) reported two separate cyberattacks. The first, occurring in June, impacted over 678,000 accounts, while the second, in July, affected 200,000 land registry accounts. Amélie Verdier, head of the DGFiP, announced the detection of a new data breach on Monday, raising further concerns about data security.
The hacking duo known as ZeroBytes claimed responsibility for the breaches on the dark web. They alleged that they accessed the systems using VPN credentials use by tax officials. When questioned about their motives, ZeroBytes stated, "money, I imagine." They reportedly sold the stolen information to two individuals for thousands of euros, claiming that they accessed 250,000 land registry accounts, affecting approximately 2 million people. Additionally, the group asserted possession of data concerning millions of students and teachers, with some records dating back 20 years.
The attacks have prompted a strong response from French officials. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has called for the establishment of a new "cyber unit" within the National Cybersecurity Agency. Furthermore, Budget Minister David Amiel announced plans to employ artificial intelligence for vulnerability testing, emphasizing the use of "sovereign" AI providers, excluding OpenAI.
France has been increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, a fact highlighted by experts. Earlier incidents this year include an April attack on ANTS, which affected the data of 12 million individuals, and a February breach at the finance ministry, resulting in the theft of 1.2 million bank accounts. Additionally, medical information of 15 million individuals was stolen in February.
As the French government seeks to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses, the recent breaches highlight the persistent threat of cybercrime and the need for strong protective measures.
Source: www.france24.com
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