Russian Hacking Attack on Norwegian Dam Attributed to Moscow by Intelligence Service

This year, the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) reported that Russian hackers gained control over a hydropower dam in Norway, leading to an unauthorized release of water. The incident took place in April at the Bremanger dam in western Norway, marking the first instance in which the Norwegian authorities officially connected the attack to Moscow.

During the cyber-attack, approximately 500 liters of water per second were released for a duration of four hours until officials detected and halted the flow. According to Beate Gangås, the head of PST, there has been a noticeable uptick in activities from pro-Russian cyber entities, and the Bremanger incident serves as a clear example of their tactics. The intention behind such operations is to instill fear and disorder among the populace, suggesting that relations with Russia have grown increasingly perilous.

Fortunately, the incident did not inflict injuries or cause serious damage, as the conditions of the dam and the river below it remained within safe limits. On the day of the attack, it was reported that the perpetrators released a video linked to a pro-Russian cybercriminal group, indicating their involvement in several cyber-related crimes targeting businesses in the West.

Gangås further elaborated on the situation by stating that Russian intelligence invests considerable resources into identifying and recruiting contacts within Norway, as Norwegian citizens can potentially serve as useful sources of information. Given that Norway relies heavily on hydropower for electricity generation, intelligence agencies have previously raised alarms about possible threats to energy infrastructure.

Situated along a 123-mile border with Russia, Norway maintains Europe’s sole open Schengen border with its neighbor at Storskog. In response to the PST's claims, the Russian embassy in Oslo dismissed them as baseless and politically charged, asserting that the PST attempts to inflate the perceived threat of Russian sabotage against Norwegian infrastructure. Meanwhile, previous statements from Western intelligence figures, such as Richard Moore of MI6, have characterized Russia as engaging in reckless acts of sabotage in Europe, particularly to deter support for Ukraine. The PST has been reached out to for further comments on the matter.