UK exposes Russia’s ‘reckless’ cyber attacks

The UK National Cyber Security Centre has identified a campaign by the Russian military intelligence service of indiscriminate and reckless cyber attacks.

Alongside its allies, the UK has exposed a campaign by the GRU targeting political institutions, businesses, media and sport, conducted in flagrant violation of international law, and affecting citizens in a large number of countries, including Russia, and have cost national economies millions of pounds.

The National Cyber Security Centre says targets included firms in Russia and Ukraine, the US Democratic Party, as well as a small TV network in the UK.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “These cyber attacks serve no legitimate national security interest, instead impacting the ability of people around the world to go about their daily lives free from interference, and even their ability to enjoy sport.

“The GRU’s actions are reckless and indiscriminate: they try to undermine and interfere in elections in other countries; they are even prepared to damage Russian companies and Russian citizens. This pattern of behaviour demonstrates their desire to operate without regard to international law or established norms and to do so with a feeling of impunity and without consequences. Our message is clear: together with our allies, we will expose and respond to the GRU’s attempts to undermine international stability.”