In Älvdalen, funerals are booked with pen and paper after the IT attack on the Church of Sweden

11/28/2023, 3:47:09 PM

Highlights: The Church of Sweden was subjected to a digital intrusion last week. Parishes do not have access to their IT systems where bookings are available. They are also unable to update the website or print paper via printers connected to the affected system. Demands have been received, but the Church of Swedish will not respond to the demands, or say what they contain. It is still possible to reach Älvdalen's parish by phone and email. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.

There are continued problems for the Church of Sweden's parishes after the cyberattack on the central IT system. For example, the booking of funerals and baptisms must be handled by analogy.

It was last week that the Church of Sweden was subjected to a digital intrusion, which has caused major problems that are still not remedied. The fear is that the problems may persist for weeks to come.

The parishes, such as the one in Älvdalen, do not have access to their IT systems where bookings are available. They are also unable to update the website or print paper via printers connected to the affected system.

Blackmail Attempt Against the Church

On Tuesday, the Church of Sweden confirmed that the cyberattack is a so-called ransomware attack. Demands have been received, but the Church of Sweden will not respond to the demands, or say what they contain.

It is still possible to reach Älvdalen's parish by phone and email.

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Expert explains: How a ransomware attack works Photo: Storyblocks