Russian Cyberattacks on NATO Nations: Alliance Ready for Coordinated Response

NATO has expressed solidarity with Germany and the Czech Republic over cyberattacks carried out by a Russian hacking group and is ready to consider a coordinated response to the threat. The North Atlantic Council said in a statement released on 3 May. The allies recognized that Germany and the Czech Republic had blamed APT28, a cyber group supported by the Russian General Staff’s Main Intelligence Directorate, for malicious cyber activity in their countries. “We stand in solidarity with Germany after a malicious cyber campaign against a political party, in particular the Social Democratic Party of Germany, and with the Czech Republic after ill-intentioned cyber activity against its institutions,” the statement said. Alliance members also note with concern that APT28 has targeted other national government organizations, critical infrastructure operators and other agencies in the Alliance, particularly in Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Sweden. “The malicious cyber activities targeting Germany and the Czech Republic emphasize that cyberspace is always a contested area. Cyber threat actors persistently seek to destabilize the Alliance. We remain committed to countering the significant, persistent and growing cyber threat, including to our democratic systems and our critical infrastructure,” NATO said. Allies noted their determination to employ the necessary capabilities to deter, defend, and counter the full spectrum of cyber threats to support each other, including by considering a coordinated response. “We promote a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace. We call on all states, including Russia, to respect their international obligations and commitments to respect international law and to act within the framework of responsible state behavior in cyberspace, as affirmed by all UN members,” the statement said. Earlier on Friday, the EU condemned Russia’s malicious cyber campaign against Germany and the Czech Republic. The German Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian embassy’s Charge d’affaires on 3 May in response to a Russian cyberattack on the ruling Social Democratic Party last year. Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock, who is now in Australia, has said the hacking attack “will not go without consequences”.