France Launches REACTIV Cyber Incident Response Unit Amid Major Tax Authority Breach

France's national cybersecurity agency, ANSSI, has established a new cyber incident response unit called REACTIV to enhance the protection of sensitive data within government ministries. Announced on September 7, 2026, REACTIV aims to empower ANSSI with the ability to mandate immediate protective measures from ministries during cyber incidents. This initiative follows a significant breach of the Directorate-General for Public Finance, which exposed personal data of approximately 350,000 to 678,000 taxpayers. The breach led to the arrest of two individuals linked to the hacking group 'ZeroBytes.' However, details regarding the human and financial resources allocated to REACTIV remain undisclosed, raising concerns about its effectiveness. The unit will also centralize crisis communications during cyberattacks affecting state services.

Key Points: • France's ANSSI has launched REACTIV to bolster government cybersecurity. • The initiative follows a major breach affecting up to 678,000 taxpayers' data. • REACTIV allows ANSSI to enforce immediate data protection measures across ministries.