Major European ports hit by cyberattack

Belgian prosecutors have launched an investigation after a cyberattack hit major European ports.

State agency AFP reported on 3 February that an investigation has been launched into the hacking of oil facilities in Belgium’s ports, including the Port of Antwerp.

According to a specialised broker, AFP notes that the alleged hacking is affecting multiple European ports, disrupting the unloading of barges in the oil market.

READ: (£) Evolving cybersecurity in ports

Reuters reported that the cyberattack hit businesses in the Port of Antwerp late last week.

Belgian business daily De Tijd reported that terminal operator Sea-Tank had been hit by a cyberattack on 28 January.

This is the latest in a number of increasing incidents in cyber-crime affecting the ports industry: in September last year Port Houston announced it was targeted in a cybersecurity attack in August, believed to have originated from a nation-state actor.