Slovenia activates alert for cyber threat: The mystery behind infected USB memories
Authorities discovered that several devices delivered to public agencies contained a computer worm capable of facilitating espionage. This has prompted a police investigation and reignited old tensions with source.
A worrying find at the heart of the government
Used by at least twenty state agencies, were infected with a computer worm. Among those affected is the , a sensitive target in security matters.
According to Uroš Svete, head of the , these worms pose a serious threat, as they allow compromised equipment to be controlled remotely, facilitating
— in China, during transport or already in Slovenian territory — the infection occurred. For now, the details are being handled with extreme discretion.
A pattern repeated in Europe
This new incident sets off alarms in a region that . In May 2025, the Czech Republic reported an intrusion into its Ministry of Foreign Affairs linked to the allegedly associated with Chinese intelligence.
Other similar episodes have taken place in Belgium, , and in 2009 with , which managed to infiltrate embassies and offices in 103 countries. Although its epicenter was located in China, direct government involvement was never confirmed.
Slovenia strengthens its digital stance
In 2020, it signed a joint declaration with the U.S. on the protection of 5G networks, demonstrating its commitment to defending critical infrastructures. but also reinforces the need for constant vigilance against threats that cross borders without leaving a visible trace.
With the use of portable devices as vehicles for malware on the rise —, already accounting for more than half of detected threats — Slovenia’s response could serve as a warning for all of Europe.
