Hackers stole data of 1.2 million residents in Latvia

In Latvia, data on 1.2 million residents and 200,000 businesses was stolen as a result of a cyberattack. This was reported by the Latvian National Road Safety Administration (CSDD) and the cybersecurity organization CERT.LV.

The hacking attacks took place on August 8-10. Since Latvia has a population of about 1.9 million, a large number of citizens were affected by this cyberattack. The stolen data was stored in payment receipts since 2008.

The hackers obtained the following information:

* Name and surname of the citizen or company;

* Personal identification number or company registration number;

* Vehicle license plate;

* Registered address;

* Payment date and amount.

The authorities are urging the public to be vigilant when receiving messages, emails and phone calls from the CSDD or other agencies. Citizens are advised to pay attention to the content of the message, the quality of language and spelling, especially the correct spelling of names and addresses. They are also strongly advised not to open links in suspicious messages and emails.

As a result of the attack, no contact information of Latvian residents was leaked and the work of the CSDD was not harmed. The police have opened a criminal case under two articles: "unauthorized access to an automated data processing system" and "committing illegal actions using devices affecting the resources of an automated data processing system".

The stolen data has not yet been distributed anywhere, and the hackers' motives are unknown. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs does not exclude the possibility that this is a "hybrid attack carried out by the special services of a country that is not friendly to Latvia."

Earlier, in Liechtenstein, which has a population of about 41,000, the personal data of 31,000 people was stolen. Unknown individuals hacked the "Register of Economically Authorized Persons" (VwbP), which stores information about representatives of companies, foundations and trusts. The register, located on the LLV.li website, is currently closed to users due to "technical maintenance work."