Italy's Tajani says his personal data leaked on dark web
Tajani said the criminals were seeking more details about him and his family and vowed not to be intimidated.
Cybercriminals leaked the personal data of Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on the dark web, exposing him and his family to threats, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported on Saturday.
In a post on the social media platform X, Tajani said the perpetrators had been circulating his data for days and were offering to pay for more information about him and his loved ones.
He said the criminals were seeking further details about him and his family, which he described as new threats and intimidation.
"I will not be intimidated in any way," he said.
Tajani linked the alleged targeting to Italy's position on Ukraine, saying that support for the country's sovereignty, democracy and independence is seen as dangerous by these criminal groups.
He also suggested the threats were partly a response to cybersecurity measures introduced at the Foreign Ministry in recent months.
He said a dedicated cybersecurity directorate was set up on Jan. 1 to counter intrusions by actors he described as often linked to state entities hostile to Italy.
"We are operational and connected to our allies," Tajani said, pledging to keep strengthening cooperation against cyber threats.
Italy has provided support to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Governments across Europe have reported a rise in cyberattacks on public institutions in recent years.
