By Germany has accused Russia of launching a cyberespionage campaign targeting the country’s government, businesses, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party, according to the Associated Press.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pinned the blame on Russia’s GRU military intelligence, calling the cyberattacks “absolutely intolerable” and promising “consequences,” though the specific nature of those consequences remains unclear.
Months-long “spying campaign”
German officials believe the hacking campaign began in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Targets included the Social Democrats’ email systems, along with other government entities, NGOs, and companies in the defense and aerospace sectors.
The German Interior Ministry reported a joint effort led by the FBI shut down a network of compromised devices used by the hackers, known as APT28 or Fancy Bear, in late January.
The Czech Republic also reported being targeted by Fancy Bear, while NATO pointed to attacks against members including Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden.
Foreign Minister Baerbock’s visit to Australia underscores the growing focus on security cooperation in the face of rising threats. Discussions with her Australian counterpart focused on regional security and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pinned the blame on Russia’s GRU military intelligence, calling the cyberattacks “absolutely intolerable” and promising “consequences,” though the specific nature of those consequences remains unclear.
Months-long “spying campaign”
German officials believe the hacking campaign began in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Targets included the Social Democrats’ email systems, along with other government entities, NGOs, and companies in the defense and aerospace sectors.
The German Interior Ministry reported a joint effort led by the FBI shut down a network of compromised devices used by the hackers, known as APT28 or Fancy Bear, in late January.
The Czech Republic also reported being targeted by Fancy Bear, while NATO pointed to attacks against members including Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden.
Foreign Minister Baerbock’s visit to Australia underscores the growing focus on security cooperation in the face of rising threats. Discussions with her Australian counterpart focused on regional security and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
