The Old Country Newsletter – Cyber Attack & Kärnkraft

Major Cyberattack Hits Swedish Municipal Systems – Sensitive Data at Risk

A large-scale cyberattack has struck Miljödata, a Swedish IT provider whose systems are used by around 200 municipalities and regional authorities. The attack, discovered last weekend, is described as a ransomware incident, where hackers encrypted critical data and may have gained access to sensitive information.

The case is being investigated by Sweden’s National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC), a collaboration between the Swedish Defense Radio Authority (FRA), the Security Service (Säpo), and the Armed Forces. Officials say the situation is complex since many of the compromised systems remain heavily encrypted.

Miljödata’s CEO, Erik Hallén, confirmed that they are working “intensively with external experts” to assess the scope of the attack and restore operations. Sweden’s Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has warned that personal data may have leaked, including medical certificates, workplace injury reports, and labor-related records. So far, more than 70 incident reports have been filed with the country’s privacy authority (IMY).

Several municipalities—including Skellefteå, Kalmar, Karlstad, Mönsterås, and Gothenburg—have activated crisis teams to manage the fallout. Authorities in Karlstad stressed that individuals with protected identities are not affected, as their data remains anonymous within the system.

Sweden’s Minister for Civil Defense, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, called the incident a reminder of the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures across society.

While investigations continue, the full impact of the breach is still unknown. However, the attack has already been described as one of the largest and most serious cyber incidents targeting Sweden’s public sector in recent years.

For Swedish Americans, this serves as a clear sign of how digital threats can disrupt vital services, even in countries known for strong governance and high levels of trust in public institutions.

Sweden’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Russia’s ambassador in Stockholm, condemning the latest wave of attacks on Ukrainian cities that killed civilians and damaged diplomatic facilities.

The move followed Thursday’s strikes on Kyiv, where at least 23 people — including four children — lost their lives. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard called the attacks a clear signal that “Russia is not interested in peace,” in a statement posted on X.

According to a press release, the Swedish government wanted to send a strong message against what it described as Russia’s “continuous attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians.” The ministry also stressed Russia’s obligation under international humanitarian law to protect noncombatants and civilian infrastructure.

The attacks didn’t only devastate residential areas — they also damaged the premises of the EU delegation and the British Council in Kyiv, amplifying the diplomatic fallout. Sweden underscored this point in its meeting with the Russian envoy, arguing that the strike highlights how Russia’s actions are threatening not just Ukraine but international institutions operating there.

The summoning comes as part of a wider European effort to maintain pressure on Moscow while demonstrating solidarity with Kyiv. With the war now well into its third year, EU states have been increasingly vocal about both the human cost of the conflict and its spillover effects on European security.

For Stockholm, the message was simple: civilian lives must not be targets, and Russia cannot bomb its way to the negotiating table.