Albanian authorities announced on Wednesday that they have blocked 155 Russian websites accused of spreading disinformation, along with eight additional sites linked to data hacking groups. The move is part of ongoing efforts to counter foreign interference in the country’s digital infrastructure.
During a hearing before a parliamentary committee focused on disinformation and foreign interference, officials revealed that these actions were taken in response to cyberattacks aimed at disrupting critical services. They also highlighted incidents involving Iranian hackers from the group “Homeland Justice,” who sought to destroy data and cripple operator services in Albania.
“Attacks on operators have become a daily occurrence,” authorities said, noting that when the war in Ukraine began, telecommunications operators were advised to perform regular system scans and implement more robust cybersecurity measures.
The European Commission made its first request to block Russian websites on March 3, 2022, targeting platforms accused of supporting Russian aggression in Ukraine. Albanian institutions, including law enforcement and the national Cyber Unit, have since requested further blocks, particularly targeting groups like “Homeland Justice,” which carried out cyberattacks on Albania in July.
Authorities said that Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) regularly audits personnel responsible for maintaining security across five key critical infrastructures. Cybersecurity has been a priority since the Covid-19 pandemic, and the situation has intensified following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
Officials also pointed out that cyberattacks were most frequent during public holidays, when operators paid less attention to system security. “This vulnerability has been addressed, and professional teams are now on duty year-round, including holidays and weekends,” they added.
Since February 2022, Albania has maintained heightened vigilance against foreign interference in its electronic services, particularly as part of broader efforts to safeguard national security from external threats.
