Germany summons Russian ambassador over cyberattacks
Germany summoned Russia’s ambassador to the Foreign Ministry after cyberattacks targeting German institutions, EU member states and Ukraine were attributed to Russian intelligence services.
Germany has protested a series of cyberattacks against its institutions and other European countries. Berlin said the attacks were directed by Russia’s Federal Security Service.
Turla group blamed
German Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Kathrin Deschauer said German authorities had concluded that the cyber group known as Turla was behind the attacks. Deschauer stated that the group targeted EU member states and Ukraine.
FSB’s 16th Centre identified
According to Germany, investigations carried out by German intelligence agencies and European partners identified the FSB’s 16th Centre as responsible for the cyber operations.
Deschauer said comprehensive analyses showed that the same unit had also compromised German institutions.
“Part of a broader pattern”
The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said the incident was not seen as an isolated case. Deschauer said Germany had observed malicious cyber activities originating from Russia for many years, targeting Germany, EU member states and international partners.
EU to impose new sanctions
The European Union has decided to impose new sanctions in response to the FSB-linked cyber activities. According to the EU statement, the sanctions target several intelligence officers, cybercriminals, self-proclaimed hacktivists and private companies.
