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Massive cyberattack on Polish power system in December failed, minister says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 13, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: January 19, 2026

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WARSAW, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Poland's power system faced its largest cyberattack in years in the last week of December that also followed a different pattern, the country's energy minister said on 

Massive cyberattack on Polish power system in December failed, minister

Overview of the Cyberattack

WARSAW, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Poland's power system faced its largest cyberattack in years in the last week of December that also followed a different pattern, the country's energy minister said on Tuesday.

Details of the Attack

The failed attack aimed to disrupt the communication between renewable installations and the power distribution operators, Milosz Motyka told reporters, adding in the past large power units or transmission networks have been targeted.

Response and Implications

"The command of the cyberspace forces has diagnosed in the last days of the year the strongest attack on the energy infrastructure in years," Motyka said.

Context of Cyber Threats

Poland's critical infrastructure has been subject to a growing number of cyberattacks by Russia since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022. 

Russia's military intelligence trebled its resources for such action against Poland last year, the country's digital affairs minister told Reuters.

Motyka declined to provide details on who was responsible for the attack or the recommendations made by the administration following the incident.

Of the 170,000 cyber incidents that were identified in the first three quarters of 2025, a significant portion was attributed to Russian actors. 

(Reporting by Marek Strzelecki; Editing by Sharon Singleton)

Key Takeaways

  • Poland faced its largest cyberattack in years in December.
  • The attack targeted communication between renewable installations and operators.
  • Poland's energy minister confirmed the attack was thwarted.
  • Cyber threats have increased since the Ukraine war began.
  • Russian actors are suspected in many cyber incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cyberattack?
A cyberattack is an attempt to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices, often with malicious intent.
What is energy infrastructure?
Energy infrastructure refers to the physical and organizational structures needed for the production, transmission, and distribution of energy, including power plants and electrical grids.
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources that are replenished over short periods, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
What are cyber threats?
Cyber threats are potential malicious attacks that seek to damage or disrupt computer systems and networks, often targeting sensitive data or critical infrastructure.
What is digital affairs?
Digital affairs encompass the management and regulation of digital technologies and their impact on society, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital governance.

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