Spy chief: Russian hackers targeted UK energy firms

ANGER over Russia’s interference in Britain escalated yesterday, amid claims that it tried to plunge the UK into blackout by hacking power grids.

GCHQ boss Ciaran Martin said that Russian spies had targeted the ‘energy sector’ in the UK and media and telecoms companies.

‘I can confirm that Russian interference, seen by the National Cyber Security Centre, has included attacks on the UK media, telecommunications and energy sectors,’ he told a technology conference in London.

‘That is clearly a cause for concern. Russia is seeking to undermine the international system. That much is clear. The Prime Minister made the point on Monday night, that international order as we know it is in danger of being eroded.’

Mr Martin said ‘no system in the world is completely invulnerable’ to cyber attacks, and warned Britain to brace itself for ‘rampant criminality’ online.