Liechtenstein Probes Cyberattack on Company Registry

Liechtenstein is investigating a large-scale cyberattack in which hackers gained unauthorized access to the country's register of beneficial owners. According to the government, the attackers copied data relating to around 31,000 companies, foundations and trusts during the night of 30 July.

After detecting the breach, authorities immediately shut down the affected system and launched an investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that the data was copied, but there is no evidence that it was altered or deleted.

The register was established in 2021 as part of the country's anti-money laundering measures. Simon Tribelhorn, director of the Liechtenstein Bankers Association, said the attack did not affect banks or their clients' data, but described the incident as serious.

The government has established a crisis team led by Prime Minister Brigitte Haas and Justice Minister Emanuel Schaedler to coordinate the investigation and provide information to those affected.

(nzz)