Russian cyberattack opens floodgates of dam in Norway

Brussels – Here is an example of what hybrid warfare looks like: remotely taking control of a dam in Norway, opening it, and allowing the release of a few million liters of water in a threatening act.

It is what some unidentified Russian hackers did four months ago, taking control of a Norwegian dam, opening the floodgate, and allowing water to flow undetected for four hours, according to reports from the Norwegian secret service. 

According to a report in The Guardian, the admission by the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) marks the first time Oslo has formally attributed the April cyber attack in Bremanger, western Norway, to Moscow. 

The attack on the dam, which produces electricity, released 500 liters (132 gallons) of water a second for four hours until the incident was detected and stopped. 

“Over the past year, we have seen a change in the activity from pro-Russian cyber actors,” The Guardian quoted the head of the PST, Beate Gangås, as saying. “The aim of this type of operation is to influence and to cause fear and chaos among the general population. Our Russian neighbor has become more dangerous.”