Russian hackers have blocked a number of Bulgarian government websites in a large-scale cyberattack, an investigator said on Saturday.
The websites of the president, the government, key ministries and the Constitutional Court in Bulgaria were rendered inaccessible or were only able to run slowly if at all, officials said, DPA reported.
“The hacking attack came from the territory of the Russian Federation,” the head of Bulgaria’s investigation agency, Borislav Sarafov said.
“This is an attack on the Bulgarian state,” said prosecutor general, Ivan Ghev, who described it as a “serious problem.”
“As part of the European family, Bulgaria defends European values,” he said, adding that it is “normal” that this also has consequences.
Bulgaria has provided humanitarian support to Ukraine after Russia launched its invasion in February. It has received Ukrainian refugees who have fled the war.
The cyberattack did affect any content or personal data, the Ministry of Digital Affairs said, adding that the attacks had been halted.
Broadcaster Dnevnik reported that the Russian hacking group KillNet claimed responsibility. The group announced the attack on its Telegram channel. The members of KillNet describe themselves as pro-Kremlin patriots.
The purpose of their attacks is to attract attention and spread disinformation, Radio Free Europe reported.
