Cyber Crime
Massive Cyber-Attack Targets Land and Property Registry: Which Country and How?
A significant cyber-attack originating from outside Slovakia has targeted the information systems of the Office of Geodesy, Cartography, and Cadastre of the Slovak Republic (UGKK).
The UGKK is responsible for managing land and property records, making it a critical component of the nation’s infrastructure.
As a precautionary measure, all systems have been shut down, with operations at cadastral offices either suspended or running at limited capacity since January 9.
Slovakia’s Interior Ministry confirmed the incident on January 8 and stated that the Office for the Fight Against Organized Crime is leading the investigation.
Suspicions and Political Tensions
During a press conference on January 10, following a meeting of the Extraordinary Security Council, Minister of Agriculture Richard Takáč suggested that the attack may have originated from Ukraine.
Registrations Open for FutureCrime Summit 2025: India’s Largest Conference on Technology-Driven Crime
This claim comes amidst heightened tensions following Ukraine’s decision to halt the transit of Russian gas to European Union states via its territory on January 1. Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, secured a separate gas deal with Russia shortly before the cyber-attack.
Takáč also noted similarities between this incident and a cyber-attack targeting Russia on January 8 and 9. While no conclusive evidence about the perpetrators has been disclosed, the government has pointed to a potential Ukrainian link, fueling speculation and political debate.
Ransom Demand and Data Integrity
Reports indicate that the attackers have demanded a seven-figure ransom to restore access to the encrypted data. However, Ivan Ivančin, State Secretary of the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informatization, reassured the public that all critical data is securely backed up, eliminating the risk of unauthorized alterations or fraudulent property transfers.
The UGKK has committed to providing regular updates on its website, and physical offices are expected to resume limited operations by January 13.
Widespread Disruption
Described by Takáč as the largest cyber-attack in Slovakia’s history, the incident has caused significant disruptions across various sectors. Municipalities and other organizations relying on land registry data have been severely affected. The real estate and mortgage markets are paralyzed, property transactions are on hold, and services such as issuing parking permits in Bratislava have been temporarily suspended.
Cyber policy expert Pavlina Pavlova emphasized the urgent need for swift recovery efforts. “This attack has caused widespread disruption, affecting public services and citizens’ daily lives. In emergencies of this magnitude, governments must prioritize system restoration and transparent communication with the public,” she stated.
[Nominate a Fraud Risk Management Professionals]
Broader Implications for Critical Infrastructure
Pavlova, who previously briefed the European Parliament on the increasing cyber threats to public administration, highlighted the evolving nature of such attacks.
“The deliberate targeting of critical civilian infrastructure, essential to the population, represents a profound shift in the global security environment. These attacks, coupled with their spill-over effects on civilians, challenge the norms-based international order,” she noted.
European law firm Kinstellar has warned that the attack will significantly impact real estate services in Slovakia. Despite the disruptions, Takáč assured the public that ordinary citizens’ property rights remain secure.
As the UGKK works towards restoring its systems, the incident underscores the growing threat of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure and the urgent need for robust defenses in an increasingly digital world.
