Russia has increased cyber-attacks against Nato states by 25% over the past year, according to a Microsoft analysis, as the Kremlin escalates its 'hybrid war' against European countries. The report found that nine of the top 10 countries most affected by Russian state cyber-activity were Nato members, with the US the most targeted at 20% of all attacks, followed by the UK at 12% and Ukraine at 11%.
The most targeted sector was government, representing a quarter of all attacks, followed by research and academia, and thinktanks and non-governmental organisations. Microsoft declined to give exact details of Russian state hostility but said it expected to 'continue to see activity across many Nato-based areas'.
Experts and politicians have warned that Russia is conducting 'hybrid warfare' against Nato members, using unconventional tactics such as drone incursions, sabotage and cyber-attacks. A former head of MI5, Eliza Manningham-Buller, said last month that the UK may already be at war with Russia due to the intensity of cyber-attacks and other hostile activity.
Other Nato nations have also been affected by Russia-linked incidents. In Poland, 19 unarmed Russian drones crossed into its airspace last month, while Denmark was forced to close airports due to unidentified drones. Nato also intercepted three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets that violated Estonia's airspace.
Microsoft added that Russia is using the country's highly active cybercriminal community to carry out its aims, particularly through ransomware attacks. Jamie MacColl of the Royal United Services Institute said the increase was not surprising given the general uptick in Russian covert and overt action against Nato member states.
