Attribution to Russian Security Services
The United Kingdom has officially accused Russia of utilizing cyber attacks to undermine its democratic processes. In a press release issued on Thursday, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office pointed fingers at the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB, stating that it was responsible for “sustained” attempts to interfere in the country’s political affairs. The accusation includes cyber operations targeting politicians, civil servants, journalists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil society entities.
Russian Goal to Undermine Trust in Politics
According to the Foreign Office, Russia’s objective is to “undermine trust in politics” by engaging in selective leaking and amplification of released information. Although the statement acknowledges that many attacks have been unsuccessful, it admits that some have resulted in the leakage of documents. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Chief Lindy Cameron had previously cautioned that the nation was not adequately prepared to defend itself against cyber threats.
Government Response and Sanctions
In response to the alleged interference, the UK government has taken action by sanctioning individuals involved in these activities and summoning the Russian Ambassador. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden emphasized the government’s commitment to calling out such activities, fortifying defenses, and taking action against perpetrators. He highlighted the significance of the online space as the new frontline and underscored the need for a comprehensive societal approach to resist attempts to undermine democracy.
Targeted Attacks on MPs and Key Figures
The Foreign Office revealed that Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties had been subjected to “spear-phishing,” a type of attack aiming to steal sensitive information or infect devices through email. The UK-US trade documents leaked before the 2019 General Election, attributed to Russia in 2020, were cited as examples of previous interference. The Foreign Office identified Russia’s intelligence services unit, Centre 18, and the group Star Blizzard as perpetrators of cyber operations in the UK.
Sanctions and Ongoing Threat to Democracy
As a response to the accusations, the UK announced sanctions on Ruslan Aleksandrovich, a Russian FSB intelligence officer associated with Star Blizzard (Callisto Group), and Andrey Stanislavovich of Star Blizzard. The government has reiterated concerns about state actors and sub-state hackers continuing to target public institutions and democratic processes, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced defenses against evolving cyber threats. The strained relations between Russia and the West since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have further exacerbated the situation, with the UK being a key ally to Ukraine.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Outlook India
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