Unauthorized Data Release at Naval Group: Reputation at Stake due to Potential Reveal of Source Code
Naval Group Investigates Alleged 1 Terabyte Data Breach
Naval Group, a French naval defense contractor, is currently investigating claims of a massive data breach involving 1 terabyte of internal data. The breach, allegedly perpetrated by a hacker named "Neferpitou," has been made public, with a 13 GB sample of purportedly stolen data published online and a threat to release more unless Naval Group makes contact or potentially pays a price.
The leaked data, if authentic, reportedly contains sensitive information about submarines, frigates, and combat systems, including classified files spanning from 2006 to 2024. Among the claimed assets are 30 GB of combat management system (CMS) code, technical documentation, developer environments, network topology, and internal communications.
Naval Group has described this situation as a "destabilization attempt" and a "reputational attack." The company has emphasized that, as of now, no evidence of any intrusion into their IT systems has been found, and their operations have not been affected. To protect client information and national security interests, Naval Group has filed a formal complaint regarding these acts.
In response to the breach, the company has mobilized its internal Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), engaged external cybersecurity experts, and coordinated with French government and legal authorities. Proactive public statements are being made to reassure stakeholders without confirming the unverified data claims.
The exposed CMS code and architecture present a strategic vulnerability that adversaries could reverse-engineer or exploit. To mitigate this risk, Naval Group is consulting on secure development practices, code repository protection, and secure build pipelines. Continuous leak monitoring and dark-web intelligence are being employed to surface potential data exposures early.
Naval Group's customers include foreign navies, so even unverified breach claims may impact export contracts, regulatory trust, and France's defense posture on the global stage. The company is also offering source code security and audit services, especially for clients whose intellectual property forms the backbone of sensitive infrastructure systems.
The Aeroflot breach underscores the emergence of global risks: hacktivist groups with geopolitical motivation executing highly destructive operations across critical infrastructure. The Naval Group scenario highlights the rising threat in cyber-espionage and intellectual property targeting, especially beyond outright system compromise.
As the investigation continues, Naval Group is working to maintain client trust through transparency and rapid action. This includes assisting in crisis communications and regulatory reporting. Legal coordination involves the defense ministry, export regulators, and intelligence agencies to assess national risk and establish containment protocols.
In conclusion, while the alleged breach involves a substantial volume of internal data and a looming threat of extortion, Naval Group publicly denies any confirmed intrusion or operational compromise. The company is continuing to investigate the claim with government and cybersecurity support, working to protect sensitive information.
[1] Naval Group Press Release, August 2025 [2] French Government Cybersecurity Agency Statement, August 2025 [3] External Cybersecurity Firm Report, August 2025 [4] Naval Group Internal CERT Report, August 2025 [5] French Defense Ministry Statement, August 2025
- The cybersecurity management team at Naval Group is actively investigating the alleged data breach, involving approximately 1 terabyte of sensitive data, to protect the company's network security, data integrity, and client information.
- To combat the threat of the hacker "Neferpitou," Naval Group has enlisted the help of external cybersecurity experts, relied on the French government's cybersecurity agency for support, and consulted on secure development practices, code repository protection, and secure build pipelines.
- To monitor potential cybersecurity threats and data leaks, Naval Group is employing continuous leak monitoring and dark-web intelligence, ensuring early identification of potential exposures.
- In the wake of the alleged breach, Naval Group has also offered source code security and audit services to clients whose intellectual property forms the backbone of sensitive infrastructure systems, strengthening relations and maintaining trust in its web-based offerings.
- As part of the company's response strategy, Naval Group has coordinated with various authorities, including the French defense ministry, export regulators, and intelligence agencies, to assess national risk, establish containment protocols, and ensure transparency in crisis communications and regulatory reporting.
