Norway suffers extensive hacking of state computer systems

Norway’s intelligence services say hackers suspected of having links to Russia have broken into the computer systems of numerous state bodies.

Among those targeted were the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Radiation Protection agency and the Police Security Service.

A hackers group known as APT 29, also known as “Cozy Bear”, has been blamed.

Erna Solberg, the Norwegian Prime Minister, told reporters: “These are attacks on the democratic control systems in our country.

“That goes for attacks on the government, the Foreign Ministry, the Norwegian Armed Forces and on political parties.”

Cozy Bear is suspected of having links to authorities in Russia and interfering with the US elections, claims denied by Moscow.

Norway has not said what damage, if any, was caused by the latest hacks, but politicians and officials are being warned to be careful with their data.