They have happened in the last few days several cyber attacks on cigarette vending machines in various parts of Italy, with messages of support for Alfred Cospito, an Italian anarchist currently in prison for the murder of a state official in 2013.
The vending machines have been hit with writings like “Alfredo out of the 41 bis",And packs of cigarettes were sold for just ten cents, forcing tobacconists to deactivate the cars.
Cigarette vending machines of the same brand have been affected
According to the information available, the affected cigarette distributors would all be of the same brand, but it is not clear whether there are other distributors exposed to the risk of future cyber attacks.
Cospito, written on cigarette vending machines: "Fuori Alfredo dal 41 bis" https://t.co/VOK9WvGBfv
- Repubblica (@repubblica) March 25, 2023
The risks of the Internet of things
These attacks prove the power of hacking , vulnerability of electronic machinery connected to the network, a vulnerability to which many domestic devices are also exposed.
Today's attacks show strong support and solidarity towards Alfredo Cospito on the part of a high-profile hacker collective, which raises a number of questions not only on the security of computer systems but also the rooted presence of some extreme ideologies on the network, whether it is the ordinary one or the darknet.
Cigarette vending machines are just one example of how cyber attacks can create unexpected problems and affect people's daily lives.
This event should be a reminder for companies and organizations to take cyber security seriously and protect their systems from possible attacks.
