The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has revealed that the Russian military intelligence service has been behind a campaign of “indiscriminate and reckless” cyber-attacks.
An investigation found that a number of ‘cyber actors’ widely known to have been conducting attacks around the world are, in fact, the GRU.
The campaign was targeted political institutions, businesses, media and sport, and has affected citizens in a large number of countries, including Russia.
“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,” said foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt.
“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.”
According to the NCSC, the attacks have attempted to undermine international sporting institution WADA, disrupt transport systems in Ukraine, destabilise democracies and target businesses.