UK minister to accuse Russia of cyber aggression at NATO conference

A senior U.K. minister is set to accuse Russia of “exceptionally aggressive and reckless” behavior in cyberspace, warning NATO members not to underestimate the threat posed by Moscow’s cyber operations.

Cyber threats from Russia to NATO

Pat McFadden, Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, will address a NATO cyber security conference in London on Monday.

According to excerpts from his speech, McFadden will highlight how Russian cyber actors, including state-aligned groups and “unofficial hacktivists,” have escalated attacks against NATO members and global institutions.

“Given the scale of that hostility, my message to members today is clear: no one should underestimate the Russian cyber threat to NATO,” McFadden will say, emphasizing that the threat is both real and evolving.

Recent attacks highlighted

McFadden will allege that Russian-aligned cyber groups have claimed responsibility for at least nine cyberattacks against NATO states in the past year, including targeting critical infrastructure.

He is expected to warn of the unpredictability of these groups and the potential geopolitical consequences of their actions.

One recent example includes cyber operations targeting South Korea, which McFadden says were in response to its monitoring of North Korean troop deployments to Russia.

Impact of Russia’s cyber activities

The minister will also discuss the broader context of Russia’s cyber tactics during the ongoing war in Ukraine, noting their capability to disrupt power grids and infrastructure. “It can turn the lights off for millions of people,” McFadden will claim, describing these actions as part of a “hidden war” against Ukraine.

In addition to the targeting of NATO partners, McFadden will accuse Russian cyber units of attacking U.K. institutions, including the media, telecommunications and energy infrastructure.

Countermeasures by the UK and allies

Despite the escalating threat, McFadden will assure the audience that the U.K. and its allies are actively countering these cyberattacks, both publicly and covertly.

He will reiterate that Britain is closely monitoring Russian activities. “Be in no doubt: the United Kingdom and others in this room are watching Russia. We know exactly what they are doing,” McFadden is expected to state.