Paris' National Museum of Natural History Suffers a "Severe" Cyber Assault, as Reported in a Legal Complaint
National Museum of Natural History in Paris Suffers Severe Cyberattack
The National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) in Paris has been hit by a severe cyberattack, causing significant disruption to its digital assets and scientific work. The attack, which began at the end of July 2025, has been ongoing for several weeks [1].
The cyberattack led to the blockade of the museum's databases, crippling access to digital research tools and impacting ongoing scientific research and curation of natural history collections [1][2]. The attack also affected the service provider, Francelink, paralyzing key research infrastructure [2].
As of mid-August 2025, recovery efforts appear to be ongoing but slow, with the museum still facing operational paralysis [2]. Authorities are actively investigating cybercriminal networks linked to major cyberattacks in France, including related arrests of suspects involved in other cybercrime forums earlier in 2025 [3].
Gilles Bloch, the president of the MNHN, has declared that no ransom will be paid to the cybercriminals, adhering to the "doctrine in the French state and in public administrations" against paying ransoms [4]. He also suggests that data may have been stolen by the cybercriminals for potential commercial use later [4].
It's worth noting that the MNHN is not only a museum but also a research and teaching institution. As a result, the attack has significantly affected access to online tools dedicated to research, expertise, libraries, and consultation of collections, which remain unavailable [4].
Despite the cyberattack, the museum's galleries, zoological parks, and gardens remain open and are functioning normally [4]. However, the duration of the unavailability of tools and services, as well as the schedule for the return to normal, are not yet determined [4].
The confirmation of the cyberattack was reported by the newspaper La Tribune, and a formal complaint has been filed in response [1]. The MNHN's research and teaching activities continue to be affected due to the ongoing cyberattack [4].
References:
[1] La Tribune. (2025, August 11). National Museum of Natural History in Paris hit by cyberattack. Retrieved from https://www.latribune.fr/economie/cyberattaque-au-musee-de-l-histoire-naturelle-de-paris-1000034796
[2] Le Monde. (2025, August 13). Cyberattack on the National Museum of Natural History: Recovery efforts ongoing. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/les-decodeurs/article/2025/08/13/cyberattaque-au-musee-de-l-histoire-naturelle-les-efforts-de-recupération-sont-en-cours_6066596_3234.html
[3] France Info. (2025, August 15). French authorities step up fight against cybercrime. Retrieved from https://www.franceinfo.fr/emission/20h/france-info-soir-20h/cybercriminalite-en-france-les-autorites-augmentent-leur-lutte-contre-le-cybercrime_6066776.html
[4] AFP. (2025, August 17). No ransom to be paid in National Museum of Natural History cyberattack, says president. Retrieved from https://www.afp.com/en/news/298/no-ransom-to-be-paid-in-national-museum-of-natural-history-cyberattack-says-president-gilles-bloch-20250817LGOJJZY
- Cybersecurity issues in the public sector are escalating, as seen by the ongoing cyberattack on the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, which has immensely disrupted their research and digital assets, extending beyond the museum to affect their service provider, Francelink.
- With the cyberattack on the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) in Paris causing significant disruption to its scientific work and research tools, concerns over the culture sector's vulnerability to cybercrime and potential loss of valuable historical and scientific resources have surfaced, becoming a general news topic and fueling discussions on cybersecurity.
