French Economy Minister Confirms Ongoing Cyberattack on La Poste Amid Christmas Delivery Efforts

The cyberattack targeting La Poste's online services has decreased in intensity but continues to persist, according to Roland Lescure, France's Minister of Economy. Speaking on BFMTV/RMC, Lescure reassured the public that no personal data has been compromised despite the ongoing "denial of service" attack that has impacted mail tracking and La Banque Postale's online banking services. Payments through La Banque Postale now require SMS authentication as a precaution due to the cybersecurity incident.

Lescure emphasized the particular challenge posed by the cyberattack during the busy Christmas period, when La Poste processes approximately 180 million parcels in the last two months alone. He noted that postal workers are exerting considerable efforts to ensure that parcels requested for the holiday season are still being delivered on time, even though online tracking services remain disrupted.

Beyond the cyberattack, Lescure also addressed broader economic concerns, stating there are "no negative surprises regarding the national deficit." He highlighted the government's readiness to amend laws if current regulations prove ineffective, citing the example of the fast-fashion brand Shein as a case where legislative changes might be necessary. On the subject of foreign investment, he expressed openness to such initiatives within France. However, Lescure described the proposed tax on small packages as a "major deterrent," reflecting the government's cautious stance.

He also mentioned that no political group has requested invoking article 49.3 of the Constitution to expedite budget approval, though President Emmanuel Macron is considering this measure to resolve ongoing budgetary challenges. The minister underscored that the special budget law currently entails "zero new investments," signaling a restrained fiscal approach in the face of economic uncertainty.

In summary, the cyberattack on La Poste remains a significant disruption during France's critical holiday season, with government officials closely monitoring both its impact and the broader economic situation. The authorities continue to navigate this challenge alongside fiscal concerns and potential legislative adjustments.