Russian hackers remotely seize Norwegian dam, unleashing 7.2k cubic meters of water

Russian Hackers Unleash Floodgates in Norway: 7.2k m³ of Water Released from Dam

In a brazen act of cyber warfare, Russian-linked hackers successfully infiltrated and remotely operated a Norwegian dam, triggering the release of a staggering 7.2 thousand cubic meters of water. The alarming incident, confirmed by Norway's National Security Service chief Beate Gangås, highlights the escalating threat of state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.

A Calculated Act of Disruption

The attack, which occurred in April but has only recently been detailed, saw an unnamed pro-Russian cybercrime group seize control of the Bremanger dam's sluice gates. For approximately four hours, water surged downstream at a rate of 500 liters per second. While vigilant services eventually intervened and halted the discharge, the damage was done. This calculated release of water, though fortunately without casualties or significant destruction, serves as a stark warning of the malicious intent behind such operations.

Targeting Vulnerabilities, Spreading Fear

While the Bremanger dam's primary function is related to aquaculture, the incident is not being viewed in isolation. Norway, heavily reliant on hydropower for its energy needs, possesses numerous dams that could become targets. Gangås emphasized that the objective of such cyber incursions is to instill fear and chaos among the populace. "Our Russian neighbor has become more dangerous," she stated, underscoring the heightened geopolitical tensions and the potential for wider destabilization.

The Shadow of State Sponsorship

The Norwegian authorities have officially attributed the attack to actions sponsored by the Russian state. The hacking collective behind the dam breach is reportedly linked to a string of other cyberattacks against Western entities. Adding a layer of undeniable attribution, the perpetrators disseminated a three-minute video on social media on the day of the attack, clearly displaying the watermark of a pro-Russian cybercrime outfit. This audacious act leaves little room for doubt regarding their affiliations and motivations.

Moscow's Denial and Escalating Threats

Predictably, the Russian embassy in Oslo has dismissed the allegations, labeling Gangås's statements as unsubstantiated. A post on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that Norwegian authorities are "unsuccessfully trying to justify a mythical threat of Russian sabotage against Norwegian infrastructure." However, these denials come amid a backdrop of repeated threats from Russia towards nations supporting Ukraine, including thinly veiled nuclear warnings. Nordic countries, in particular, have faced increased pressure from Russia, with Finland and Sweden receiving explicit warnings concerning their NATO memberships.

A Pattern of Malice

This is not an isolated incident for Russian-linked hackers. They have a documented history of launching attacks against Ukraine and various international organizations, including prominent tech giants like Microsoft. The Bremanger dam incident serves as a critical reminder that the battleground has expanded beyond physical borders, with cyber capabilities now posing a significant and insidious threat to global security.