Cyberspace, another battleground where the Russian threat is high

2022-03-11T13:50:16.418Z

For now, the threat of major Russian cyberattacks remains contained, say various specialists, but Moscow's power to harm could have considerable long-term effects.…

Cyberspace, another battleground where the Russian threat is high

Russia, recognized as one of the world's great cyber-offensive powers, has institutionalized the use of cyber weapons for years, most often via criminal groups.

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Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

For the time being, the threat of major Russian cyberattacks remains contained, according to various specialists, but Moscow's power of nuisance could have considerable long-term effects.

The United States has sent military digital specialists to Eastern Europe to counter Russia's actions, the European Union has also offered its assistance to Ukraine.

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Has the deluge of bombs falling on Ukraine relegated the cyber threat to the background?

Russia is recognized not only as one of the main actors in cyberattacks, it is also recognized as a main manipulator of opinion in sensitive moments.

So far, Ukraine has not been the victim of major attacks.

According to some specialists, this could be explained by the fact that Moscow wants to preserve the systems of the country it hopes to conquer.

But we must expect a rise in cyber operations.

Operations which could also target the countries of the European Union and NATO.

A large-scale attack such as cutting off the electricity network of a metropolis in a NATO member country would be equivalent, according to the North Atlantic Treaty, to an attack calling for a response.

This type of act is therefore considered unlikely.

On the other hand, attacks of a lesser magnitude could be long-lasting.

One of the difficulties in this fight against Russian cyberattacks is partly due to the nature of the adversary: they may be official, military or civilian actors, but also criminal networks - the informal links between the two n not being excluded.

In addition, the security of infrastructures is essential,

submarine cables

are a good example: 98% of the world's digital data circulates under the oceans, only 2% by satellite.

► To read also: Russia-Ukraine: disinformation, propaganda, and wars of influence, the other battlefield

Cyberspace, another battleground where the Russian threat is high

Cyberspace, another battleground where the Russian threat is high

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