Ethical Hacking News
The Spanish Ministry of Science has announced a partial shutdown of its IT systems following a reported breach, citing a "technical incident" as the reason. However, a threat actor claiming to be involved in the attack has published data samples online, including personal records and sensitive information. The breach raises concerns about the security of sensitive information and intellectual property handled by public institutions, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting against such incidents.
The Spanish Ministry of Science has announced a partial shutdown of its IT systems following a reported breach. A threat actor claiming involvement in the attack has published data samples online, including personal records and sensitive information. The breach is attributed to an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerability, allowing the attacker to gain full-admin-level access to the system. The Ministry maintains administrative systems handling high-value, sensitive information, making the breach a significant concern. Personal data and intellectual property may have been compromised in the breach.
The Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovación y Universidades has announced a partial shutdown of its IT systems following a reported breach. The Ministry cited a "technical incident" as the reason for the closure, but a threat actor claiming to be involved in the attack has published data samples online, including personal records and sensitive information.
According to reports from Spanish media outlets, the ministry's spokesperson confirmed that the IT systems disruption is related to a cyberattack. The breach allegedly occurred due to an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerability, which allowed the attacker to gain full-admin-level access to the system.
The Ministry of Science, Innovación y Universidades is responsible for science policy, research, innovation, and higher education in Spain. As such, it maintains administrative systems used by researchers, universities, and students that handle high-value, sensitive information. This makes the breach a significant concern, as it may have compromised personal data and intellectual property.
The alleged threat actor published data samples on an underground forum, including email addresses, enrollment applications, and screenshots of documents and other official paperwork. The images appear legitimate, although BleepingComputer has no way to confirm their authenticity or any of the attacker's other claims.
The forum where the information appeared is now offline, and the data has not appeared on alternative platforms yet. However, this only adds to speculation surrounding the breach. Spanish authorities have thus far declined to comment on the incident, citing ongoing investigations.
In response to the breach, the Ministry extended all deadlines for affected procedures, in accordance with Article 32 of Law 39/2015. This is an effort to mitigate the impact of the disruption and ensure that researchers, universities, and students continue to receive support without interruption.
The breach has raised concerns about the security of sensitive information and intellectual property handled by public institutions. It also highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting against such incidents.
In recent months, several high-profile breaches have affected organizations worldwide. This latest incident serves as a reminder that no institution is immune to cyber threats, and proactive measures are necessary to prevent and respond to such incidents effectively.
As the investigation into the breach continues, it is essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves against similar attacks. The incident also underscores the need for greater awareness about cybersecurity best practices and the importance of staying informed about emerging threats.
In this era of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, institutions must prioritize their IT security and invest in robust measures to prevent such incidents. By doing so, they can minimize the impact of breaches and protect sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
The breach at the Spanish Ministry of Science is a sobering reminder of the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in public institutions. As organizations continue to rely on digital platforms for their operations, it is crucial that they take proactive steps to safeguard against cyber threats.
In conclusion, the breach at the Spanish Ministry of Science highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for transparency in the face of such incidents. As investigations continue, stakeholders must remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves against similar attacks.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Spains-Ministry-of-Science-Shuts-Down-Systems-Amid-Cyberattack-Allegations-ehn.shtml
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/spains-ministry-of-science-shuts-down-systems-after-breach-claims/
https://blog.rankiteo.com/cie1770330826-ministry-of-science-innovation-and-universities-cyber-attack-february-2026/
Published: Thu Feb 5 17:11:30 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
