The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) said the April attack targeted the Bremanger dam in western Norway. Hackers opened one of the dam’s floodgates, letting 500 litres of water per second flow out for about four hours. The water release went unnoticed until staff discovered and stopped it.
Authorities said no injuries or damage occurred because the river’s water level was well below flood capacity. The dam, located near the town of Svelgen, is part of Norway’s power grid, which relies heavily on hydropower.
PST chief Beate Gangås said the incident showed a shift in the activity of pro-Russian cyber groups, whose goal is to “influence and cause fear and chaos among the public.” She added that Russia has become “more dangerous” and is investing heavily in gathering intelligence in Norway.
On the same day as the attack, a three-minute video — watermarked with the name of a pro-Russian cybercrime group — appeared on Telegram, claiming responsibility. Norwegian organised crime police (Kripos) said the group includes several cybercriminals linked to previous attacks on Western businesses.
Russia’s embassy in Oslo rejected the claims, calling them “unfounded and politically motivated.” It accused PST of trying to support what it called an “invented” threat of Russian sabotage against Norwegian infrastructure.
Security experts have warned for years about the risks of cyber-attacks on energy facilities in Norway, which shares a 198 km border with Russia.
Last year, Britain’s MI6 intelligence chief accused Moscow of running a “recklessly dangerous” sabotage campaign in Europe, partly to discourage support for Ukraine — a claim Russia also denies.
Tags:
Cyber News
