On June 25, we reported that the Autonomous City of Melilla announced a significant disruption to its computer services since Sunday, June 22. Although the precise causes were initially unclear, evidence suggested a likely cyber attack , and various parties swiftly assumed responsibility for it.
What Happened
On June 22, the City Council of Melilla publicly disclosed technical problems impacting their computer systems. President Juan José Imbroda expressed optimism that technology teams were working diligently to resolve the issues, anticipating that “in two days,” functionality would be fully restored. However, concerns quickly emerged regarding the possibility of a cyber attack that could jeopardize sensitive information belonging to both the administration and its citizens.
The Disruption
Despite expectations that the technical issues would last only a couple of days, Melilla spiraled into a state of computer chaos that persisted for nearly a week. The disruption significantly affected the city’s administrative servers, rendering them inaccessible and halting all electronic processes. This predicament not only impacted city operations but also hindered the administration’s ability to communicate effectively with its citizens.
The Attack
The Qilin Group, a faction linked to Russian cybercriminal activities , has purportedly claimed responsibility for this attack. Reports indicate that they have “completely destroyed the administrative and network infrastructure of the city” and have reportedly removed between 4 to 5 terabytes of data during the breach.
“We have in our hands an almost complete list of the personal data of all the native inhabitants of Melilla. Additionally, we possess a significant amount of data concerning tourists (including their personal information). Interestingly, we are currently waiting for negotiators for another reason!”
The Threat
The Qilin Group’s claims extend beyond the theft of personal data. They have issued threats to expose information regarding potential misuse of public funds , directly implicating certain members of the city’s administration. This adds a layer of urgency and fear over the repercussions that could stem from the disclosed information.
The Response
In light of these events, President Juan José Imbroda announced that local law enforcement would remain vigilant in pursuing “those malefactors” associated with the potential cyber attack. The city confirmed that the complications were indeed caused by “a computer attack of international origin ,” and assured the public that technical and cybersecurity teams are tirelessly working to restore all services.
As of now, there remains no estimated timeline for returning to normal operations. The ongoing chaos emphasizes the pressing need for cybersecurity measures within governmental systems, highlighting how cyber vulnerabilities can greatly impact public administrative functions.
Image | Jkijewski
In our previous report, we discussed the “miracle” of the sixth vaccine in Melilla, where the city achieved a remarkable 102.1% of vaccinations received, demonstrating its commitment to public health and safety. As cyber threats loom, balancing these priorities becomes increasingly essential for maintaining public trust and safety.