New cyber attacks target Italian banks, companies

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 12 - A fresh wave of cyber attacks on Sunday morning claimed by pro-Russian crew Noname057(16) hit Italian targets, including the websites of banks such as Intesa Sanpaolo and Monte dei Paschi (MPS), the ports of Taranto and Trieste and companies including Vulcanair.
    Italy's cyber security agency said it is working to alert and support the targeted firms and authorities.
    A number of sites were damaged by the attacks, which were described as Distributed denial of service.
    On Sunday, some of the cyber attacks were also claimed by another group, the Palestinian Alixsec, which targeted Olidata, among others.
    On Saturday, hackers targeted around ten official websites in Italy, including those of the ministries of foreign affairs, infrastructure and transport, stock-market regulator Consob, the Carabinieri police, the Navy and Air Force.
    The sites of public transport companies such as Atac in Rome, Amat in Palermo and Amt in Genoa and Milan's two airports were also targeted, putting them out of action temporarily, the country's cyber security agency said.
    The pro-Russian hacker group Noname057(16) also claimed Saturday's cyber attacks, criticizing Premier Giorgia Meloni on Telegram.
    "Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed the complete and constant support to Ukraine at a meeting with (Ukrainian President) Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Rome", they wrote, referring to the head of State's meeting with Meloni on Thursday night.
    "According to Meloni, Italy will help Ukraine defend its interests and pursue a fair and long-lasting peace.
    "Talks lasted about an hour and aimed at strengthening Kyiv's position", they added.
    "Italy should start by helping itself and, first of all, its cybersecurity", the statement concluded. (ANSA).