Major cyber-attack on Turkish Energy Ministry claimed

Sources from the Energy Ministry claim that a major cyber-attack is the source of the widespread electricity cuts across Istanbul in recent days, according to reports in the Turkish media. 

"The attacks are generally aiming to seize Internet sites and secure infiltration," a senior anonymous source said on Dec. 31, as quoted by state-run Anadolu Agency.

"Many infiltration attempts to the systems controlling our transmission and electricity producing lines were determined and prevented. The infiltration attempts are indicators of a major sabotage preparation against Turkey's national electricity network," he added. 

Saying that the relevant institutions are taking necessary measures, the source noted that intelligence units had received intelligence on possible cyber-attacks on New Year's Eve.

He also said the cyber-attacks started after failed July 15 coup attempt and have been increasing ever since. 
Energy Minister Berat Albayrak said a comprehensive investigation has been launched to figure out the real reasons behind the electricity cuts in a trip to the northwestern province of Kocaeli, which is the main center of the breakdowns. 

"This process is of particular significance for us as the power outages have hit Turkey's industrial region, spanning from Kocaeli to Istanbul. We have seen a disaster that directly affects seven main electricity transmission lines, covering a large area. These lines were destroyed on Dec. 29 mainly due to harsh weather conditions. But we have launched a comprehensive investigation to understand whether there is another reason behind these power outages," Albayrak added. 

"We are working with the police in cooperation in order to determine the damage," read a Dec. 31 statement...