Breaking news

France’s ANTS Investigates Data Breach Linked To Millions Of Records

Incident Overview

The Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS), the French authority responsible for managing national identification documents, has confirmed a significant data breach. The breach, which was detected on April 15, has raised serious concerns about the security of personal data managed by the government agency.

Scope Of The Breach

Information disclosed by ANTS indicates that compromised data may include full names, dates and places of birth, postal and email addresses, as well as phone numbers. While the total number of affected individuals has not been officially confirmed, initial reports suggest the breach could involve millions of records.

Potential Impact And Emerging Developments

Reporting by Bleeping Computer indicates that a hacker has advertised the dataset on an online forum, claiming access to up to 19 million records. Details described in the listing appear consistent with the categories identified by ANTS, pointing to a potentially large-scale exposure. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the origin and scope of the breach, while notification procedures for affected individuals are underway.

Conclusion

The ANTS incident highlights ongoing challenges in securing government-held data against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Further developments are expected as the investigation continues, including potential regulatory and security responses aimed at reducing future risk.

Robust Cyprus Construction Activity Bolsters Vassilico Cement’s 2025 Performance

Vassilico Cement Works Public Company Ltd reported a net profit of €35.52 million for 2025, supported by strong construction activity in Cyprus. Company profit reached €34.99 million, reflecting higher revenues and improved operating performance.

Domestic Market Growth Driven By Cyprus Construction

Group revenue rose to €152.75 million, while company revenue reached €152.66 million, up 11% year on year. Growth was driven by increased sales volumes in the domestic market, where construction activity remained strong throughout the year.

Enhanced Production Efficiency And Cost Management

Gross profit increased to €50.30 million at group level and €50.21 million at company level, compared with €42.49 million in 2024. The improvement reflects gains in production efficiency and cost control, supported by higher use of alternative fuels and improved electricity efficiency. These measures reduced unit costs while supporting environmental targets.

Executive Insights And Macroeconomic Outlook

Executive Chairman Antonis Antoniou said strong domestic demand supported production volumes, with the company maintaining focus on the local market and managing exports selectively. He added that favorable economic conditions in Cyprus contributed to performance, despite regulatory pressures in Europe and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

Navigating Energy And Regulatory Challenges

Future performance will be influenced by energy market volatility and European climate policy, including carbon pricing and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Rising fuel and electricity costs continue to affect energy-intensive industries.

The company is expanding its renewable energy capacity, with a photovoltaic park reaching 16MW and plans for an additional 8MW, subject to grid connection. The investments aim to improve cost stability and energy efficiency.

Shareholder Returns And Strategic Investments

The board approved an interim dividend of €0.15 per share, totaling €10.79 million, on September 25, 2025. A final dividend of €16.55 million, or €0.23 per share, will be proposed. Combined, total dividends amount to €27.34 million, or €0.38 per share.

Management said the company will continue focusing on efficiency, cost control and sustainability as it navigates energy market pressures and regulatory requirements.

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