UN confirms it was victim of cyber attack

The United Nations (UN) has confirmed it was the victim of a cyber attack last year, with its premises in Vienna and Geneva both targeted.

It told reporters in New York that the breach exposed lists of user accounts, but not the personal details such as passwords.

Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric also stressed that the damage has now been contained and measures have been taken to mitigate any risk associated with the attack.

The UN's home in Geneva hosts a number of different departments, including the World Health Organisation, the Human Rights Council and the World Trade Organisation.

Ms Dujarric added: "The attribution of any attack is very uncertain and fuzzy, but this was apparently a well-resourced attack and was determined to be serious."

Last year, the UN issued a directive to its officials not to use WhatsApp for fear of cyber security breaches and the fact that it is not supported as a secure way of transmitting messages.