Spain is currently paralyzed due to a large-scale power outage. A cyberattack as the cause is not ruled out.
There is currently major disruption across Spain and parts of Portugal and France due to a power outage, reports VRT nws. As a result, the entire infrastructure is paralyzed, from traffic lights and train stations to businesses and metros. It could take six to ten hours before the outage is resolved. According to the president of Andalusia, Juan Moreno, a cyberattack could be the cause of this disruption. Further investigation is needed to confirm if this is indeed the case.
National power outage
All of Spain and parts of Portugal and France have been hit by a large-scale power outage today, with all the consequences that entails. Almost the entire infrastructure of Spain is affected. Communication, trains, airports, and businesses are currently paralyzed. Metros are being evacuated and traffic lights are not working, leading to traffic chaos. Fortunately, hospitals are not experiencing problems as they run on emergency generators.
Meanwhile, power supply is gradually being restored. However, it could take six to ten hours before the outage is fully resolved. Many shops have closed their doors for today.
Cyberattack?
The president of Andalusia told reporters that the nature of the outage could indicate a cyberattack. The regional government has not yet officially confirmed this information.
Elia, manager of the Belgian high-voltage grid, informs VRT nws that ‘there is no impact on the Belgian grid’. The company refers to the fact that our country is well-connected with various power connections to other countries, which is less the case for Spain.
Cyber threats are increasingly taking the upper hand. The government is strongly focusing on this with guidelines such as NIS2 and DORA, which provide a framework for enhanced digital resilience.