On Thursday the UK, Canada and the US have claimed that an ongoing Russian cyber-attack is happening as the cyber spies are trying to steal scientific research into coronavirus vaccines.
GCHQ cyber spy experts are working to defend research institutes and other targets across the UK as the cyber-attack is currently ongoing.
GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have accused a Russian group called APT29 also known as the “Cozy Bear” for the cyber-attacks.
The NCSC said that APT29 (advanced persistent threats) “almost certainly operates as part of Russian intelligence services.”
A cybersecurity firm called CrowdStrike have previously claimed that the cyber spies are associated with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).
The NCSC have taken the lead over the Russian attack and the director of operations, Paul Chichester said, “We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
“Working with our allies, the NCSC is committed to protecting our most critical assets and our top priority at this time is to protect the health sector.
“We would urge organisations to familiarise themselves with the advice we have published to help defend their networks.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said, “The attacks which are taking place against scientists and others doing vital work to combat coronavirus are despicable.
“Working with our allies, we will call out those who seek to do us harm in cyber space and hold them to account.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
“While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health.
“The UK will continue to counter those conducting such cyber attacks, and work with our allies to hold perpetrators to account.”
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