“Your actions will cost you a heavy price,” stated the group in a string of ominous messages on the messaging platform, revealing screenshots of server login information, employee names and details, along with the personal information of residents from Tirana, reports 24brussels.
Since 2013, Albania has served as the base for the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, commonly referred to as Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK). This arrangement occurred following a request from the U.S. government to establish a camp for this exiled opposition group, known for its role in the overthrow of Iran’s Shah and subsequent confrontations with the Revolutionary Guard.
A dedicated facility was constructed in Manëz, attracting visits from U.S. officials, including former Vice President Mike Pence. In 2023, Albanian law enforcement conducted a raid on the camp, prompted by intelligence suggesting that an Iranian Quds Force unit was active there with intentions to destabilize the environment.
On Saturday afternoon, the capital’s official website experienced downtime, potentially affecting transport services and hindering the processing of passports and licenses, while also risking exposure of sensitive personal data belonging to nearly 800,000 Tirana residents.
“The last decade or so has demonstrated that public institutions are vulnerable to hacking, and the Albanian government has shown a concerning lack of regard for cybersecurity,” remarked cybersecurity expert Edmond Liçaj.
Liçaj emphasized that Albania’s responsiveness to severe personal data breaches is alarmingly inadequate. He noted that such incidents are still often perceived merely as “minor inconveniences,” despite the government’s efforts to digitize services, positioning itself as a leading candidate for EU membership in the Balkans.
This ongoing situation underscores the critical need for improved cybersecurity measures in Albania, especially as the country strives to modernize its technology infrastructure. The ramifications for both the government and residents are significant, highlighting the vulnerabilities that exist in digital security protocols amidst growing threats from cyber actors.
Experts continue to advocate for more robust practices to safeguard sensitive information and enhance the overall resilience of Albania’s public institutions against cyber threats. The intersection of politics, security, and technology suggests that without immediate and thorough action, the risks associated with these vulnerabilities will only continue to escalate.
