Since early 2022, Italy has faced approximately 33,000 major cyber attacks, according to Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who addressed the Senate on Thursday.
The Interior Minister, during question time in the Senate, stated there has been a surge in cyber attacks in Italy since 2022. This disclosure follows an alarming investigation in Milan, which revealed a hacking group’s extensive breach of State databases. Authorities believe this illegal snooping operation affected over 800,000 individuals, exposing sensitive police and Interior Ministry files.
The Milan probe has uncovered the group’s alleged activities of compiling confidential dossiers on prominent figures across business, politics, and entertainment, as well as magistrates and prefects. Court documents reveal that members of this group, including hackers Giulio Cornelli and Nunzio Calamucci, discussed their “internal archive” containing sensitive police information on top officials. The Investigative Unit of Varese’s Carabinieri detailed in their report how the group used a system capable of extracting data from specific Excel files, allowing targeted searches on magistrates from the Milan Prosecutor’s Office.
This Milan investigation mirrors a recent probe in Perugia. There personal data of several politicians—mainly from the political right—was compromised.
Postal Police increase cyber response capabilities
Interior Minister Piantedosi assured that the Postal Police have ramped up their cyber response capabilities. He reported the establishment of specialised operational units that, between 2022 and 2023, handled over 25,000 significant cyber attacks and more than 8,000 in the first eight months of 2024. However, he warned of the potential political misuse of stolen data. He particularly noted that the Milan investigation, along with past cases, highlights the risk of these illicit activities being used to manipulate political opposition and undermine democratic principles.
“The findings raise concerns about the severity of those who exploit such data, not only for profit but also to influence political rivals and disrupt democratic processes,” Piantedosi stated.
