Dutch intelligence warns of Russian cyberattacks on Western aid to Ukraine
6 September 2024 10:36
The Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) has issued a warning about cyber operations by Russian military intelligence, in particular the GRU 29155 unit. According to the MIVD, this group of hackers is focused on identifying and disrupting Western aid to Ukraine, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
“Together with our partners, we decided to reveal the methods of work of this notorious Russian cyber unit. This will allow everyone to see how they operate and protect themselves from these serious attacks and espionage. This applies not only to governments, but also to manufacturers and suppliers of military equipment to Ukraine,”
– said Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Ruben Brekelmans.
MIVD Director Vice Admiral Pieter Risink said that although the Netherlands has not yet fallen victim to cyber operations against critical infrastructure by the Russians, the threat is growing. He noted:
“This actor has carried out cyber operations targeting the logistics sector in countries that are assisting or playing a role in Ukraine. And the Netherlands is an important transit country.”
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MIVD confirmed that hackers from the GRU’s 29155 unit were behind the attacks. Western intelligence services believe that 29155 is trying to obtain information on military movements and arms supplies to Ukraine. Cyber operations may also be aimed at supporting physical sabotage, for which the unit is known.
The MIVD previously linked the unit to cyber-sabotage operations against Ukraine before the large-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. In addition, MIVD has linked 29155 hackers to the preparation of destructive cyber operations against critical infrastructure and government institutions in Western countries.
GRU unit 29155 has long been considered responsible for coup attempts and physical sabotage in Europe. Various countries have linked 29155 to the 2018 poisoning of former GRU officer Sergei Skripal, an attempted coup in Montenegro, and the assassination attempt on a Bulgarian arms dealer.
The United States, along with MIVD and other partner agencies, has issued warnings and technical guidance on how countries and organisations can detect and protect against these operations.
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