Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 2 hrs ago
Akira hackers steal sensitive data linked to more than 100,000 people in Switzerland
Hackers stole data from PK Softech, a Swiss company that provides software services to pension funds, including Publica, the federal pension fund.
The attack took place in late September, and reports say the stolen files could contain information on more than 100,000 current and former federal employees and others linked to them.
The data may include names, birth dates, addresses, social security numbers, salaries and, in some cases, bank details; current Federal Council members are reported to be unaffected.
The files may also expose undercover security staff, including intelligence officers and specialist police, creating risks of fraud and possible physical harm.
The attack is attributed to the Akira hacking group, which is demanding money and threatening to publish or sell the stolen information.
Swiss authorities have formed a crisis team, are monitoring online platforms for leaks and have temporarily stepped up protection for some officials.
Switzerland’s intelligence service has reportedly suspended some operations abroad while the risks are assessed.
The Akira hacking group stole data that could affect more than 100,000 people in Switzerland, according to reports cited by the articles.
The attack targeted PK Softech, a software provider to several Swiss pension funds, including the federal pension fund Publica.
The stolen files may include personal and financial details, as well as information about former federal councillors, security staff and elite soldiers.
Akira is demanding a ransom and has threatened to publish or sell the data.
Swiss authorities have taken security measures, and the intelligence service has reportedly suspended some operations abroad.
- Who
- The Akira hacking group is identified as responsible. The affected people include current and former federal employees and others linked to Swiss pension funds.
- What
- Hackers stole data that could concern more than 100,000 people and are demanding a ransom.
- When
- The attack took place on the night of 28–29 September 2026, according to Le Matin.
- Where
- The hackers entered PK Softech’s computer systems. The company is based in Reinach, in the canton of Basel-Landschaft.
- Why
- The articles say Akira is demanding money and threatens to publish or sell the stolen data. They do not state why the group chose PK Softech.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The attack on PK Softech’s systems took place, according to Le Matin.
PK Softech acknowledged that attackers had accessed part of its computer infrastructure and stolen data, according to Le Temps.
Reports described the scale of the stolen data and identified Akira as the alleged attackers.
- Alleged hacker group
- Akira
- Target company
- PK Softech AG
- Attack date
- Night of 28–29 September 2026
- Stolen data
- About 100 gigabytes of compressed data
- Potentially affected people
- More than 100,000
- Federal pension fund
- Publica
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