A major data breach at the Polish Anti-Doping Agency (POLADA) has compromised the sensitive information of thousands of Polish athletes. Over 50,000 files, including medical records, doping test results, and personal details, were leaked online following a sophisticated cyberattack that officials suspect may have been orchestrated by Russia or Belarus.
The hackers behind the attack published approximately 250 GB of data on the dark web, exposing highly confidential information such as passwords, contact details, and photographs of Polish athletes. The breach was first announced on the pro-Russian Telegram channel Beregini.
In addition to the data leak, the hackers brought down POLADA's official website. The attack disrupted POLADA's operations, which primarily involve the collection and analysis of doping samples from athletes competing in Olympic sports.
The Beregini group, which claimed responsibility for the breach, has a history of coordinating with other pro-Russian entities to spread disinformation and disrupt critical infrastructure. The group is notorious for its involvement in a harassment campaign targeting Ukrainian military personnel and their families, publishing personal details to intimidate and demoralize them.
POLADA said it has bolstered its cybersecurity measures in response to the attack and is working closely with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts.
