Poland's largest digital payment service targeted by 'external' cyberattacks

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Poland's largest digital payment service BLIK has experienced several disruptions since the weekend following targeted "external" cyberattacks, local media reported on Monday.

According to TVP World, the mobile payment system was hit by distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on Saturday morning. Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said at the time that the situation was "returning to normal."

BLIK allows users to make instant online payments, withdraw cash, and transfer money through their banks' mobile apps.

However, further disruptions were reported on Monday, affecting some users' ability to process transactions.

On social media, the company confirmed that it was "currently observing an external DDoS-type attack which may cause temporary issues with BLIK payment processing," adding that efforts were underway to "restore smooth operation."

Launched in 2015 by an alliance of Polish banks, BLIK has become the country's leading digital payment method, surpassing traditional card use.

Gawkowski said the attack originated from "external" sources and noted that state security services regularly defend against such incidents.

He also said Saturday that a separate hacking incident led to the leak of login details for customers of the Polish travel agency Itaka, though it remains unclear whether the two incidents are connected.

The cyberattacks come as Poland stays on high alert over hybrid threats linked to the war in Ukraine, accusing Russia of sabotage and cyberattacks, claims Moscow denies.