Greek National Police

The Greek National Police, known in Greek as Ελληνική Αστυνομία, serves as the primary national law enforcement agency of Greece, headquartered in the country. Its core mandate encompasses maintaining public order, preventing and investigating criminal activities, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens throughout the nation. As a fundamental component of Greece's internal security apparatus, the force operates under the authority of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, working in coordination with other state emergency services such as the fire service. The organization's responsibilities extend to border control, traffic management, and the protection of state institutions, positioning it as a central pillar in the country's domestic stability and law enforcement framework. Its operational scope covers the entire geographical territory of Greece, reflecting its role as the unified national police service. The agency's digital presence, including its official websites, constitutes part of the critical government infrastructure it helps to safeguard.

The significance of the Greek National Police within the national security landscape is underscored by its experience as a direct target in major cyber incidents. In January 2020, its official websites were disrupted alongside those of the prime minister, key ministries, and other emergency services during a distributed denial-of-service attack. This event was not isolated, occurring within a short timeframe following a previous hijacking of state sites by a Turkish hacker group that cited geopolitical disputes. The timing of the DDoS attack coincided with sensitive diplomatic talks in Athens concerning Libyan factions, highlighting the police's institutional relevance to events with international dimensions. Such targeting illustrates the organization's status as a high-value asset within Greece's governmental digital ecosystem, where disruptions can impede public services and national administration. The incident also demonstrates the interconnected nature of modern state functions, where the police's online systems are integral to its operational continuity and public-facing duties. Being affected alongside the highest levels of government and core ministries confirms its embedded role in the nation's critical infrastructure.