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Russian Cyber Espionage: UK and Allies Expose Malicious Operations

Chesta Singh
By Chesta Singh
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In a significant development, the UK and its allies have exposed a series of cyber operations orchestrated by the Russian Intelligence Services with the intent to interfere in UK politics and democratic processes. The UK Government, in collaboration with the US, has taken decisive actions against the perpetrators, shedding light on Russia’s covert cyber activities.

Centre 18 and Star Blizzard: A Cyber Espionage Connection

The cyber espionage operations have been attributed to Centre 18, a unit within Russia’s Intelligence Services, the FSB. Centre 18, operating through the group Star Blizzard, was identified as responsible for a range of cyber operations aimed at high-profile targets in the UK. Star Blizzard, also known as Callisto Group, SEABORGIUM, or COLDRIVER, is assessed by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as subordinate to FSB Centre 18.

Targets and Tactics

The activities conducted by Star Blizzard involved targeting parliamentarians from multiple political parties through spear-phishing attempts dating back to at least 2015. Additionally, the group was implicated in the hack of UK-US trade documents leaked ahead of the 2019 General Election, as previously attributed to the Russian state in a 2020 statement.

Other notable instances include the 2018 hack of the Institute for Statecraft, a UK think tank focusing on defending democracy against disinformation, and the recent compromise of its founder Christopher Donnelly’s account. Star Blizzard selectively leaked information to undermine trust in politics in the UK and like-minded states.

Sanctions and International Collaboration

Following a National Crime Agency investigation, the UK has sanctioned two members of Star Blizzard involved in spear-phishing campaigns and unauthorized access to sensitive data. This joint action with the US reinforces bilateral efforts to counter Russian malicious cyber activity.

The individuals sanctioned are Ruslan Aleksandrovich PERETYATKO, a Russian FSB intelligence officer and Star Blizzard member, and Andrey Stanislavovich KORINETS, also known as Alexey DOGUZHIEV, a member of Star Blizzard.

Diplomatic Response

In response to Russia’s sustained attempts to interfere in political and democratic processes, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has summoned the Russian Ambassador. The UK government expressed deep concern over Russia’s persistent cyber threats.

Future Preparedness

Acknowledging the evolving threat landscape, the UK emphasized the importance of raising defences against cyber threats. The NCSC, in collaboration with the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, will publish a cybersecurity advisory to inform network defenders. Additionally, guidance for high-risk individuals will be provided.

Political Statements

Foreign Secretary David Cameron condemned Russia’s unacceptable attempts to interfere in UK politics, emphasizing the exposure of malign influence attempts. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden highlighted the ongoing efforts to counter state actors targeting public institutions and democratic processes.

Strengthening National Security

Home Secretary James Cleverly underlined that an attack on democratic institutions is an attack on fundamental British values. The UK, through the National Security Act, is determined to create a challenging operating environment for those seeking to interfere in its democratic institutions.

Global Pattern of Malign Activity

The exposed cyber operations are part of a broader pattern of malign cyber activity conducted by Russian Intelligence Services globally. Recent years have seen the exposure of Russian involvement in ViaSat, SolarWinds, and the targeting of Critical National Infrastructure.

As the UK and its allies continue to confront cyber threats, this revelation underscores the necessity for collaborative international efforts to safeguard the integrity of democratic processes and strengthen cybersecurity measures.

Source: Gov[Dot]UK

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