French Interior Ministry Shuts Down Prefecture Websites Over Critical Security Vulnerability

PARIS, Oct 21 (OPA) — The French Interior Ministry ordered the suspension of all prefecture websites, including the Paris Police Prefecture, on Wednesday afternoon. The decision follows an alert from the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) regarding a critical vulnerability in a widely used software component. Ministry officials stated that the sites will remain offline until a security patch is released by the software developer.

While the websites are inaccessible, the ministry confirmed that prefecture communications will be redirected to social media platforms and public notices. The alert originated from the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-FR), which identified flaws in a programming language utilized across significant portions of the web. The ministry emphasized that teams are mobilized to restore services as soon as the fix becomes available.

This digital disruption coincides with heightened security measures across France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that tens of thousands of counter-protesters are expected in Orléans this weekend for the National Rally (RN) congress. Authorities are deploying significant mobile forces to secure both the congress venue and authorized demonstrations, citing potential risks of civil unrest.

Meanwhile, the government continues to manage ongoing urban violence and protests related to the cost of living. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to meet with the mayors of Paris, Marseille, and Lyon on Thursday to address recent looting and property damage. Additionally, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has pledged 15 million euros in aid to help local merchants install protective equipment, including security grilles and alarm systems.