The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is countering claims that a February cyber attack granted hackers free rein over its IT network. The museum denies any major breaches, citing no stolen data and no compromised security maps.
Correre della Sera reported the hackers demanded ransom from director Simone Verde and threatened to sell stolen information on the dark web. However, Reuters cited the museum's statement that the closure of a Pitti Palace section and removal of jewels were due to planned renovations, not a hack.
The museum refutes claims about wiping servers clean or losing archival documents. They stress having full backups but acknowledge some sensitive data might have been accessed, worrying about potential security risks for visitors.
Despite these concerns, the Uffizi remains open, showcasing masterpieces from Raphael, Caravaggio, and other Italian Renaissance artists. The incident raises questions about museum cybersecurity practices globally.
