Emag.co.uk Entertainment News Leader
Russia’s growing use of cyberattacks as a weapon of warfare is an alarming reality. UK minister Pat McFadden said that Kremlin is targeting Ukraine in its ongoing aggression and also is getting prepared to disrupt the UK as well as its allies. The cyberattacks is being described as a “hidden war” and have the potential to destabilize nations by targeting critical infrastructure and businesses.
McFadden warned of the dangers posed by Russian hacking groups and particularly the notorious Unit 29155 in a speech at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference. The group aim to undermine efforts to support Ukraine and create chaos in NATO countries.
Recent attacks on councils in the UK such as those in Middlesbrough, Salford and Portsmouth are believed to be the work of pro-Russian hacking groups. The unofficial groups operate with the approval of Kremlin as long as they align with the interests of President Putin.
The implications are serious and McFadden pointed out that Russia could potentially shut down power grids. This would leave millions in the dark or cripple businesses. This would cause widespread economic damage. This is not just an abstract threat but a real and present danger. McFadden further added that no one should underestimate the Russian cyber threat to NATO as the threat is real.
The nature of such attacks has also raised broader concerns and it is that the cyberattacks are harder to trace and counter. They operate in the shadows and disrupts systems as well as sow fear without the crossing of border by a single soldier.
The cyber activities of Russia are a reminder that wars today are fought with guns and tanks alongside the digital battlefield. The consequences can be equally devastating.
