UK exposes attempted Russian cyber interference in politics and democratic processes

Summary:

The UK, along with its allies, has exposed a series of attempts by the Russian Intelligence Services, specifically the Federal Security Service (FSB) and its centre, Centre 18, to interfere with UK political processes. The attempts, conducted by a group known as Star Blizzard, have targeted high-profile individuals and entities, including politicians, civil servants, journalists, NGOs, and universities. The activities, aimed at obtaining sensitive data and using it to undermine UK democracy and politics, have been identified through a joint investigation by the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and other agencies. Two FSB officers, Ruslan Aleksandrovich PERETYATKO and Andrey Stanislavovich KORINETS, have been sanctioned for their involvement in the spear-phishing campaigns and data exfiltration activities. The UK and US have also summoned the Russian Ambassador to express their deep concern about Russia's sustained attempts to use cyber means to interfere in political and democratic processes.