On 7 September, the United Kingdom officially condemned the Iranian state for a cyberattack on Albania's government that destroyed data and interrupted crucial government services such as paying utilities, booking medical appointments, and enrolling schoolchildren. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Iranian state-linked cyber actors are 'almost certainly responsible' for a number of cyberattacks on Albanian government infrastructure beginning on 15 July 2022.

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said, 'The UK is supporting our valuable partner and NATO ally. We join Albania and other allies in exposing Iran's unacceptable actions.' The UK has already identified and provided advice on several cyberattacks by Iranian actors, starting in 2018.

TOPIC: Cyber conflict and warfare