Norwegian authorities have officially confirmed that a cyberattack on a dam in Norway originated in Russia. In April, Russian hackers seized control of the western Bremanger dam and caused the uncontrolled release of 7.5 million tons of water over four hours.

Russian hackers attack Norway

Norwegian intelligence agencies announced that Russia was behind the attack. The hackers infiltrated the dam’s system, which also manages fishing operations, and remotely opened the water outlet gates. This caused an uncontrolled release of 500 liters of water per second. Fortunately, there were no casualties or material damage.

Norwegian security forces, however, do not consider the attack to be solely targeting the dam. They describe it as an “intimidation operation” aimed at undermining public perceptions of security.

A video posted on Telegram by the group claiming responsibility for the attack featured the logo of a pro-Russian cybercriminal organization. Norway’s organized crime unit, Kripos, reports that this group is linked to attacks on numerous companies in the West.

The Norwegian government alleges that Russian intelligence is expending significant resources gathering intelligence in the country and attempting to lure citizens into espionage activities. Norwegian officials have previously warned that the country’s energy infrastructure, such as hydroelectric dams, could be targeted.

Norway is a major European exporter of natural gas and heavily relies on hydroelectric power for electricity generation. Storskog, the country’s 198-kilometer border with Russia and the only open Schengen-Russia crossing point, also raises security concerns.

The Russian Embassy in Oslo, however, considers Norway’s accusations “baseless and politically motivated.” Russia calls these allegations “a fabricated myth.” Last year, Richard Moore, head of the British foreign intelligence agency MI6, accused Russia of reckless sabotage in Europe, a claim Moscow also denied.