Liechtenstein registry of beneficial owners hit by major cyberattack

Liechtenstein authorities are investigating a significant cyberattack that targeted the country's registry of beneficial owners. Between the night of July 29 and July 30, unidentified hackers gained unauthorized access to the information system and successfully copied data pertaining to approximately 31,000 legal entities, including companies, foundations, and trusts.

Upon detecting suspicious activity, officials immediately took the platform offline to prevent further unauthorized access. The compromised registry was established in 2021 as a key component of the principality's framework to combat money laundering, containing sensitive information about individuals who ultimately own or control legal structures within the nation.

Liechtenstein is a global hub for international finance, hosting thousands of corporate entities due to its favorable tax environment. While the breach has been confirmed, authorities are currently investigating the scope of the exposure and the methods used by the cybercriminals to infiltrate the secure system. No timeline for a full restoration of the registry services has been provided.