In a press release published on 3rd September 2021 by French of Ministry of the Interior (Ministère de l´Intérieur), and seen by Contrivers Buzz, a cyber-attack on the France-Visas website has compromised the data of people applying for visas to visit or move to France via the website and personal data recorded when entering a visa application (email addresses and identity data) were stolen. This stolen data could give rise to misuse but is limited in its effect, given that the information does not include financial or sensitive data within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This attack took place on 10th August 2021.
Tampering with the website has given the attackers access to some personal details/information of those who have their information on the website as a result of their application. Such personal data include names, nationalities, passport/identity cards number, etc.
It was stated in the press release that the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs had taken the necessary measures to secure the platform and prevent such events from happening again, and the government had also filed a complaint and a judicial investigation is underway.
The French authorities have informed persons whose data were affected by this invasion and also advised that they take precautions. However, questions can be addressed to: [email protected].