Germany Accuses Russia of Cyberattack, Vows Consequences

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accuses Russia's military intelligence service of masterminding a cyber attack on Germany's Social Democrats last year. The hacking campaign, attributed to APT28, targeted SPD members, government authorities, and institutions in Germany and Czechia.

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Wojciech Zylm
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Germany Accuses Russia of Cyberattack, Vows Consequences

Germany Accuses Russia of Cyberattack, Vows Consequences

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has accused Russia's military intelligence service of masterminding a cyber attack on Germany's Social Democrats, the leading party in the governing coalition, last year. Baerbock stated that the attack, attributed to the group called APT28, was "absolutely intolerable and unacceptable" and would have consequences.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the ongoing threat of cyber warfare in modern geopolitics, demonstrating Russia's willingness to target Western democracies and their institutions. The consequences of such attacks can be far-reaching, potentially disrupting critical infrastructure and undermining trust in governments and institutions.

The hacking campaign began at least as early as March 2022, a month after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The hackers exploited a previously unknown vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook, targeting the Social Democrats' members, various German government authorities, foundations, and associations. The hacking also targeted institutions in Czechia (Czech Republic).

The EU and NATO have condemned the malicious cyber campaign, with the EU noting that it had previously imposed sanctions on individuals and entities associated with APT28 for targeting the German parliament in 2015. NATO accused Fancy Bear, another name for APT28, of targeting"other national governmental entities, critical infrastructure operators and other entities across the Alliance,"including in Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden.

The hacking campaign was shut down in late January by international efforts led by the FBI. The EU has warned that it will not tolerate the continuation of such attacks, particularly with EU elections upcoming in June. Relations between Russia and Germany were already tense, with Germany providing military support to Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock made the accusation during a news conference in Adelaide, Australia, as part of a trip focusing on security policy in the Pacific region. Baerbock stated, "Russian state hackers attacked Germany in cyberspace... This is absolutely intolerable and unacceptable and will have consequences." The Russian Embassy in Germany denied Moscow's involvement in the cyberattack, calling the accusations "unsubstantiated and groundless".

Key Takeaways

  • Germany accuses Russia's military intelligence of cyber attacking Social Democrats.
  • The attack, attributed to APT28, targeted SPD members and government authorities.
  • The hacking campaign began in March 2022, exploiting a Microsoft Outlook vulnerability.
  • The EU and NATO have condemned the attack, with the EU warning of consequences.
  • Russia denies involvement, calling the accusations "unsubstantiated and groundless".