Russia’s FSB Cyberespionage Targets British Politicians and Journalists, UK

Russia’s FSB agency, under the direction of Russian intelligence services, has been engaging in cyberespionage to interfere in British politics, according to the UK government. The Foreign Office revealed that high-profile British politicians, civil servants, and journalists were targeted through sustained cyberattacks, with false identities created to impersonate legitimate contacts and deliver malicious links. The cybergroup responsible, known as Star Blizzard, is believed to be linked to the FSB. The government claims that the goal of these hacking operations was to undermine trust in politics in the UK and other like-minded nations. While the attempts to interfere with UK politics and democracy have not been successful, the UK has imposed sanctions on a FSB intelligence officer and a member of Star Blizzard. The US Justice Department has also brought criminal charges against both individuals, alleging their involvement in the hacking conspiracy. British authorities have expressed concerns to the Russian ambassador over the interference. British officials have stated they are confident in uncovering the full extent of the cyber interference, but will remain vigilant ahead of upcoming elections in the UK and US. The goal of making these cases public is to deter similar activity in the future.