A minister will announce that the UK is “monitoring Russia,” as he cautions that Moscow is ready to carry out cyber attacks and “won’t hesitate” to target British businesses.
A minister will warn that Russia is ready to unleash a series of cyber attacks on Britain, capable of “plunging millions of people into darkness.”
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will address a NATO conference next week, urging allies to “not underestimate” the threat that Moscow poses in its “covert war.”
He will state that Russia has already targeted British energy infrastructure and “won’t hesitate” to attack businesses as part of its effort to undermine countries supporting Ukraine.
“Through a cyber attack, Russia can plunge millions into darkness and shut down power grids,” he will warn in comments originally reported by The Sunday Telegraph.
“Make no mistake: the United Kingdom and others here are keeping a close eye on Russia.
“We are fully aware of their actions, and we are countering their attacks both openly and discreetly.”
He will further note that Britain has learned from history that yielding to dictators when they act aggressively towards neighboring countries “only emboldens them.”
“That’s why we stand with Ukraine as it fights to determine its own future,” he will state at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference at Lancaster House.
“Putin is a leader who seeks destruction, not peace. His threats are aimed at discouraging our support for Ukraine.
“He will not succeed.”
He will warn that the threat is “real,” emphasizing that no one in NATO should underestimate Russia’s cyber capabilities.
Mr. McFadden is expected to specifically identify Unit 29155, a Russian military unit that the government asserts has been responsible for several attacks in the UK and Europe.
He will explain that “unofficial hacktivists,” who are not directly controlled by the Kremlin, “are allowed to operate freely as long as they don’t act against Putin’s interests.”
This statement comes after South Korea, a NATO Indo-Pacific partner, was targeted due to its monitoring of North Korean troop movements to Russia.
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