Cyber-attacks condemned by UK and US

Russia: ‘Campaign’ against Georgia

Russia has been condemned by the UK Government for carrying out a series of “significant” cyber-attacks against Georgia.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said the GRU – Russia’s military intelligence service – was “almost certainly” responsible for defacing websites, conducting cyberattacks and interrupting TV channels in Georgia in October.

Some of the websites affected included those belonging to the Georgian government, courts, NGOs, media and businesses.

T h e U K , h a v i n g worked with Georgia and international partners to identify the cyber-attacks, said that the actions were part of a long-running campaign of hostile and destabilising activity by Russia against Georgia.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said that the cyberattacks were designed to undermine Georgia’s sovereignty, sow discord and disrupt the lives of those living in the country.

The FCO also said that the UK remains “unwavering” in its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that the UK would continue to expose those engaging in cyber-attacks.

“The GRU’s reckless and brazen campaign of cyber-attacks against Georgia, a sovereign and independent nation, is totally unacceptable,” said Mr Raab.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo also condemned the attacks and said the US is calling on Russia to cease cyberattacks in Georgia and elsewhere.

“The United States calls on Russia to cease this behaviour in Georgia and elsewhere,” he said.

“We will offer additional capacity building and technical assistance to help strengthen Georgia’s public institutions and improve its ability to protect itself from these kinds of activities.”