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2.3TB Italian Rail Data Breach via Almaviva IT Provider | Dark Web Leak
2.3TB Italian Rail Data Breach via Almaviva IT Provider | Dark Web Leak
Trusted News - Expert Analysis - Global Coverage
A threat actor operating on the dark web has claimed responsibility for a major data breach impacting FS Italiane Group, Italy's national railway operator, after compromising the systems of its IT services provider Almaviva. The hacker alleges the theft of 2.3 terabytes of sensitive data, which has now been leaked on a dark web forum frequented by cybercriminals.
ccording to the attacker's description, the exposed data includes a wide array of internal documents, technical files, confidential corporate materials, and records tied to multiple companies within the FS Group ecosystem. The massive data dump represents one of the largest breaches targeting Italy's critical transportation infrastructure in recent years, raising serious concerns about national security and operational continuity.
Cybersecurity experts say the leak appears to be recent, with files dated through the third quarter of 2025, indicating a fresh intrusion rather than recycled material. Andrea Draghetti, Head of Cyber Threat Intelligence at D3Lab, confirmed that the leaked data does not appear related to the 2022 Hive ransomware attack, which previously targeted Almaviva.
According to Draghetti, the threat actor claims the stolen data includes:
If verified, the leak would represent one of the largest and most damaging breaches ever linked to Italy's critical transportation sector, potentially exposing sensitive operational details and compromising national security interests.
"The volume alone—2.3 terabytes—suggests this is not a typical credential dump or financial data leak," explained cybersecurity analyst Marco Rossi. "We're likely looking at comprehensive corporate espionage, including architectural plans, procurement contracts, employee information, and potentially even transportation system schematics that could be exploited by malicious actors."
Almaviva is one of Italy's largest and most influential IT and digital services companies, operating across multiple critical sectors including:
Enterprise applications and custom solutions for major organizations
Connecting complex IT infrastructures across government and private sectors
Security services and threat protection for critical infrastructure
Strategic technology advisory for major Italian institutions
Customer relationship management systems for public services
Digital backbone support for transportation and government systems
The company manages or supports infrastructure and digital ecosystems for numerous high-profile Italian public and private institutions—including parts of the FS Group's digital backbone. A compromise of Almaviva's network could therefore have widespread implications for dependent systems and sensitive operational data across Italy's transportation network.
Screenshots posted by the hacker appear to show directory lists, document previews, and compressed archives allegedly stolen from Almaviva networks. Analysts caution that the leaked data may include:
The dark web dump could allow other threat actors—including cybercrime groups and state-aligned hacking units—to exploit the data for:
The hacker's posting on dark web forums suggests this may be part of a data-theft-for-profit scheme rather than a traditional ransomware attack. No ransom demands have been publicly issued, indicating the attacker may be looking to sell the data to other cybercriminals or state-sponsored actors interested in Italy's critical infrastructure.
As Italy's national transport backbone, FS Italiane Group operates:
Any compromise involving internal documentation or operational details raises the stakes significantly. Cybersecurity analysts warn that attacks on transport and infrastructure IT providers have surged globally, with threat actors increasingly targeting third-party vendors to gain indirect access to high-value networks that would otherwise be heavily defended.
Neither Almaviva nor FS Italiane Group have released full public statements confirming the scale of the breach, but internal investigations are reportedly underway. Italian cybersecurity authorities, including the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN), are believed to be involved in assessing the damage and coordinating response efforts.
As of now, the hacker has not issued ransom demands, suggesting several possible scenarios:
Draghetti emphasized that the volume of leaked material—if verified—represents a significant risk for Italy's transportation sector and multiple public institutions linked to FS Group. "When you're dealing with terabytes of data from critical infrastructure providers, you're not just looking at financial loss—you're looking at potential national security implications," he warned.
Cybersecurity experts recommend organizations, particularly those in critical infrastructure sectors, take immediate action including:
The breach serves as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of modern digital ecosystems and the critical importance of securing not just primary organizations but their entire network of technology partners and service providers.
