CERT.lv reports hundreds of failed attempts to hack Latvian websites

Hundreds of attempts to hack Latvian websites have been made in recent days, but none has succeeded, LSM reported, citing Latvia’s cyber incident response institution CERT.lv.

Last week, many government, municipal and private-sector websites in Latvia and elsewhere were taken offline because of cybersecurity risks. Their operators had to update them urgently.

About five websites providing important public services were still unavailable, including rindapiearsta.lv, which lists medical institutions offering state-funded healthcare, as well as the Riga Heat and Latvian Radio websites. CERT.lv said most of the affected websites important to residents were accessible again. Many remained unavailable from abroad, but were expected to gradually return online on Monday, October 26.

CERT.lv deputy head Varis Teivans said the level of activity was noticeable but not exceptionally high. Exploiting the vulnerabilities requires specific knowledge of both the process and the systems targeted, he said. Those carrying out the attacks appeared largely opportunistic and less professional.

Teivans said government agencies had handled the situation well but were still restoring their systems. The risk had been significant, as important data could have been lost.