Italian National Intelligence Website Hit by DDoS Attack

The official website of Italy’s National Intelligence and Security Service (DIS) has been targeted in a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack allegedly orchestrated by a hacker known as “Mr. Hamza.”

The incident, which occurred on January 22, 2025, is the latest in a series of cyberattacks targeting Italian institutions, raising concerns about the nation’s cybersecurity resilience.

Details of the Attack

According to the post from Cyberfeeddigest, the DDoS attack temporarily overwhelmed the DIS website by flooding its servers with excessive traffic, rendering it inaccessible to users.

The attack was confirmed through monitoring tools that detected unusual activity on the site.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility, the involvement of “Mr. Hamza” suggests a potential lone actor or a smaller-scale operation compared to recent attacks by organized groups like NoName057.

Cybersecurity experts note that DDoS attacks are designed to disrupt services rather than steal data, but they can still cause reputational damage and operational delays.

The Italian authorities have not disclosed whether sensitive information was at risk but emphasized that mitigation measures were swiftly implemented to restore functionality.

Context: Rising Cyber Threats in Italy

This attack follows a troubling trend of escalating cyberattacks against Italian institutions.

Over recent months, pro-Russian hacktivist groups such as NoName057(16) have launched numerous DDoS campaigns targeting critical infrastructure, including government ministries, banks, airports, and transportation networks.

These attacks are often politically motivated, with hackers citing Italy’s support for Ukraine as justification.

For example:

• Earlier in January 2025, NoName057(16) disrupted websites belonging to Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and financial institutions like Intesa Sanpaolo and Monte dei Paschi di Siena.
• In December 2024, Milan’s Malpensa and Linate airports were also targeted by similar attacks.

The frequency and scale of these incidents highlight vulnerabilities in Italy’s cybersecurity framework and underscore the need for enhanced defenses.

Government Response and Implications

Italian authorities have responded to these threats by deploying their Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) to mitigate attacks and restore services quickly.

However, experts warn that DDoS attacks are becoming more sophisticated, often serving as distractions for deeper intrusions or data breaches.

The attack on DIS is particularly concerning given its role in national security. It signals that even high-security institutions are not immune to cyber threats.

Analysts suggest that geopolitical tensions, particularly related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are fueling these attacks as part of broader hybrid warfare strategies.

To counter this growing threat, Italy is expected to invest further in cybersecurity measures, including advanced threat detection systems and international cooperation.

The incident also serves as a reminder for organizations worldwide to strengthen their defenses against increasingly complex cyberattacks.

As cyber warfare continues to evolve, this latest attack underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity strategies to protect critical national infrastructure from both state-sponsored and independent actors.

Also Read:

Jacobs & Thompson Inc. Hit by LYNX Ransomware Attack

See more