Power plant in Karlskrona hit by cyberattack
A combined heat and power plant in Karlskrona, known as Mältan, suffered a cyberattack that disrupted operations overnight. Police are investigating the incident as a suspected IT crime. The plant supplies district heating and electricity to the area.
Overnight into Thursday, October 12, the Mältan combined heat and power plant in Karlskrona was targeted by a cyberattack. According to Aftonbladet, the attack affected the plant's systems, operated by Karlskrona Energi AB. Operations halted temporarily, but no major damage to infrastructure has been reported.
Police in Blekinge County confirmed they received a report of suspected IT crime. 'We have initiated a preliminary investigation to clarify what happened,' said the police spokesperson in a statement. No suspects have been arrested, and the probe focuses on tracing the attackers.
The plant's background is that Mältan generates both heat and electricity for thousands of households in Karlskrona. The attack was unexpected, and the company quickly worked to restore systems. A spokesperson for Karlskrona Energi stated: 'We have taken measures to secure our systems and minimize impact on customers.'
This is not the first cyberattack on Swedish infrastructure this year. Experts note a rising trend of such incidents against the energy sector, often linked to foreign actors. Police are collaborating with MSB, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, to address the threat. No details on motives or origins have been disclosed yet.
The incident highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Karlskrona Energi urges customers to stay vigilant against suspicious online activities.