A press service statement released late Friday confirmed the attack, explaining that cybersecurity experts were working to identify the cause and secure the data.

The attack occurred on October 17 and follows a rise in similar recent incidents. Officials noted that the frequency of cyberattacks has increased significantly in recent months.

On Sunday, Moldovans will vote in a presidential election where Maia Sandu, the incumbent president who supports Moldova’s integration with the EU, is running for re-election against ten other candidates.

Sandu is seen as the frontrunner, but experts suggest a runoff may be needed. Her main challengers are Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general backed by the Socialists, and Renato Usatîi, a moderately pro-Russian candidate.

At the same time as the election, a referendum initiated by Sandu will ask voters if they support making European integration a constitutional goal for Moldova.

Authorities in Chișinău have reported increased hybrid activities by Russia in the run-up to the vote, aiming to undermine the pro-Western government and portray the European Union negatively.

These activities include disinformation campaigns and unprecedented illegal financial transfers to pro-Russian activists and politicians, reportedly used to buy votes.