The UK faces an imminent threat of crippling cyber attacks from Russia, capable of “turning out the lights for millions,” a senior minister will warn at a NATO cyber defence conference in London.
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is expected to highlight Russia’s readiness to wage cyber warfare targeting critical infrastructure and businesses, urging firms to bolster their defences.
Mr McFadden will describe Russia as “exceptionally aggressive and reckless” in the cyber domain, seeking to destabilise nations that support Ukraine. He will caution that Russian attacks could shut down power grids and disrupt the UK economy, emphasising that both the state and independent cybercriminals aligned with the Kremlin are actively widening their targets to NATO members.
“Russia’s cyber capabilities can be as destabilising and debilitating as military action,” Mr McFadden will state, adding that hackers have already targeted the UK’s energy networks, telecoms, and democratic institutions. Recent NHS hospital hacks, thought to involve Russian groups, postponed over 800 operations, including critical cancer treatments.
Mr McFadden will also underline the growing sophistication of “hacktivist” groups acting independently of the Kremlin but with tacit approval. He will cite attacks on local councils and NATO allies as examples of how these actors are expanding their reach and wreaking havoc.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
