Authorities in Liechtenstein have announced a massive cyberattack that resulted in the leak of personal data and sensitive information affecting "31,000" legal entities. A database used for preventing money laundering and terrorist financing was breached.
At an urgently convened press conference, representatives of the authorities stated that it is currently unknown who is behind the incident, nor what the specific goal of the attack was. A crisis team has been set up, and the affected system has been completely shut down while the investigation into the case continues.
The Principality of Liechtenstein, whose population is just over "40,000" people, is among the richest countries in the world by GDP per capita, and the financial and banking sector are traditionally among the most profitable industries in the country.
Prime Minister Brigitte Haas commented on the investigation to the media. "The case is being investigated urgently. It is important for us to remain in contact with the affected parties so that they can be guaranteed the highest possible level of personal data protection," she stated.
Advisor in the "Justice and Society" sector Emanuel Schädler clarified what actions have been taken so far. "The affected system has been completely shut down and is currently undergoing a thorough check to ensure that something like this does not happen again. Two other systems that operate with similar technical parameters have also been shut down as a preventive measure," he pointed out.