Cybersecurity specialist Alexandros Kaniklides spoke on Mesimeri kai Kati about a potential data leak linked to the GigaVoucher platform of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy. The platform allowed citizens to apply for subsidies for high-speed home internet.
According to official statements, authorities identified an incident of unauthorized access to user data. Kaniklides explained that it likely involved the theft of login credentials from a single user rather than a hack of government systems.
No government or financial systems compromised
The expert clarified that the government network itself was not breached, as the platform was hosted on a separate network. He also confirmed that the platform had not been active since 2024 and that no banking or card information was leaked.
Potential risks and phishing threats
Kaniklides noted that personal information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses, could still be exploited for phishing attempts. Scammers may impersonate official services through emails or calls to obtain additional user information.
The specialist explained that such attacks often use social engineering to manipulate human behaviour, emphasising that human error remains a major security vulnerability even in well-protected systems.
Advice for citizens to protect themselves
To minimise risks, Kaniklides recommended:
- Never share passwords or one-time codes with anyone.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links from emails or messages.
- Use unique passwords for each site and update them regularly.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Verify requests via official channels before providing any information.
He concluded by urging citizens not to panic but to stay informed and vigilant, highlighting that online security is a daily practice rather than solely a technical issue.
Also read: Mother who gave child sedatives charged with attempted murder
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
