# European Transport and Infrastructure Targeted by Coordinated Hybrid Cyberattacks Authorities investigate links between bomb hoaxes on flights and supermarket refrigeration system hacks. - **Source:** [Open](https://www.open.online) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4754f8d2-3f25-4923-8ed6-790ebdb936ea ## Coordinated Hybrid Threats European authorities are investigating a series of coordinated attacks targeting civil infrastructure. Recent incidents include bomb threats against commercial flights and cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems. While investigators have not confirmed a direct link, officials suspect a broader hybrid warfare strategy designed to sow public chaos across multiple European nations. ## Flight Disruptions Across Europe Eurocontrol data indicates that 18 flights were impacted by bomb threats in a single day out of 26,709 scheduled operations. Several aircraft were diverted or escorted by fighter jets for security checks. Notable incidents involved Wizz Air and Ryanair flights, though subsequent inspections in Rome and Lisbon revealed no actual anomalies. ## The Mikhail Andropov Group Threats have been issued via emails signed by a figure calling himself Mikhail Andropov. The messages claim these actions are only the beginning, threatening future attacks on cruise ships, subways, and trains. The name references a former Soviet leader, though investigators remain uncertain if this indicates Russian state involvement or misdirection. ## Swatting and Digital Tactics Investigations by Italian authorities, including the Polizia Postale and Digos, suggest the use of swatting tactics. Attackers utilize compromised accounts or anonymized services like Protonmail to send threats. One email was traced to a Colombian woman's account, highlighting the global nature of the digital infrastructure used to facilitate these disruptions. ## Targeting Strategic Infrastructure Beyond aviation, approximately 280 schools have been targeted by similar threats. Cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems have been claimed by groups like NoName057(16) and Z-Pentest. Experts like Stefano Zanero note that these actions lack economic motives, aiming instead to cause material damage and psychological distress within the European population. ## Political and Security Response Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that these attacks on civil infrastructure are a serious concern. European transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas confirmed that operational integrity remains intact despite the alerts. Meanwhile, security experts from the 27 EU member states are scheduled to meet in Brussels to evaluate necessary defensive measures and coordination. ## Impact on Travel Industry Despite the persistent threats, major airlines such as Ita Airways and Ryanair report no significant surge in cancellations. Industry leaders suggest that passenger confidence remains relatively stable. However, consumer groups warn that if the pattern of bomb hoaxes continues, it could negatively impact holiday travel bookings and overall seasonal tourism. ## Future Security Outlook The timing of threats, consistently occurring between six and nine in the morning, suggests a highly organized effort. As European leaders prepare for upcoming summits in Dublin, the focus remains on identifying the perpetrators. Authorities are currently leveraging international cooperation through Europol to trace IP addresses and dismantle the attackers' networks. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.open.online/2026/11/07/allarmi-bomba-hacker-frigo-legami-indagini-terrorismo/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._