Melilla suffers a cyberattack that leaves its municipal computer network out of service

A city digitally blocked by an alleged cyberattack

Melilla has had its computer systems collapsed for several days, seriously affecting the operation of its municipal services. What began as a “technical failure” has ended up turning into an investigation by Possible cyberattack, with the participation of National Intelligence Center (CNI).

Since Sunday, citizens cannot access digital procedures nor to make inquiries through the OIAC Network. The situation has forced Activate in-person procedures and has left almost the entire regional administration without operational access.

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What services have been affected?

The crash of the systems has had a direct impact on citizen care and public management:

• Online procedures and inquiries through the OIAC.
• Information services, grants, applications and registrations.
• Internal operations of organizations such as Emvismesa, Inmusa or Promesa (only a few are still active).

According to the Minister of Public Works, Miguel Marín, There is no estimated date for full recovery, and technicians work tirelessly to restore normality

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An increasingly common threat to municipalities and local governments

This case adds to a worrying trend: cyberattacks on public administrations are on the rise. From small municipalities to large capitals, management systems, citizen databases and processing platforms have become frequent targets of attacks that seek to:

• Hijack data using ransomware.
• Collapse services through denial of service (DDoS).
• Disrupt administrative continuity.

Unprotected digitalization is a real threat.

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Keys to protecting your organization against a similar attack

Recommendations for ICT managers and public officials:

1. Audit and reinforce critical local administration systems.
2. Design operational continuity and recovery plans.
3. Apply perimeter cybersecurity and network segmentation solutions.
4. Train municipal staff in cyber hygiene and threat detection.
5. Collaborate with regional organizations such as the CNI, INCIBE or CSIRT.

Conclusion: Institutional cyber resilience is no longer optional

The Melilla case shows that digital dependency must be accompanied by a robust, well-funded and constantly updated cybersecurity strategy. Every hour without service is a loss in efficiency, citizen trust and institutional reputation.

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🚀 Prevention is in your hands!

At Apolo Cybersecurity, we work with administrations at all levels to strengthen their systems, design contingency plans and train their teams.

🔑 Request a free audit

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