How is Russia Using Cyberattack as a Weapon Against Ukraine?

Russia's utilization of cyberattack as a weapon is threatening national and international security frameworks

There has been a significant increase in the number of cyberattacks and breaches reported from across global sectors. The pattern has become more intense with the growing evolution of advanced technologies. Cybersecurity professionals believe that the rapid surge in the digital transformation wave and increased online transactions have accelerated this trend. Also, there have been reports that the post-pandemic era resulted in remote working environments, providing an even bigger opportunity for cybercriminals to get access to large company databases online. But this is actually the smaller picture, this upsurge in the types and numbers of advanced technologies also led to cyberwars among nations. Recently, a cyberattack on Ukraine has made us realize that as crucial as any physical war sounds, jeopardizing essential national security details through cyber warfare by unknown terrorists and other notorious security personnel from other countries is as critical.  

Humans might not be able to win a permanent battle against a vicious attack and eventually lose such battles. Invaders can have an upper hand over their victims if they are able to innovate even more advanced technologies, the solutions to which are not yet discovered. The combination of cryptocurrency and ransomware has proven to be a critical combination to break as it is often the victims of the attack that pays for the loss of data or even operational disruption. This rise in cyberattacks has led to an intense dialogue and relations among countries. Even physical attacks have barriers or limits, in the most controversial countries, under the most notorious regimes. But this is not the case when it comes to cyberspace; there is no such defining line that demonstrates the limits, hence, the condition is much worse. Leaders should have strong cooperation between businesses and governments as a key means of fighting back against such attacks.

The Strain on Global Relations

Cyberwarfare and internal cybercrime play a massive role in how countries relate to each other across the globe. There are several complexities that affect governments, militaries, and economies and no doubt remain on the minds of security officials. Currently, cyberwarfare has become an integral part of international relations. Countries like the United States have already incorporated specific relations with other countries, especially with those countries where relations have become especially strained and contentious. Countries are deploying highly qualified and trained security professionals versed in the domain of cybersecurity to help nations carry out a constructive cyber defense policy. 

Russia's Repetitive Cyberattacks on Ukraine

Russia's ramped-up cybersecurity infrastructure has been recently directed towards Ukraine. Reports have revealed the Russian Government is attempting to destabilize its government and economy, and security experts warn that these online assaults might also extend to other countries, including superpowers like the US.

Recently, the Russian troop expansion along Belarus' 665-mile border with Ukraine has spiked Russia's intense interest in the region. In the past couple of weeks, the Russian government is said to have already initiated quite a few cyberattacks against Ukraine. Even last month, hacker groups linked to Russia's intelligence services have been blamed for a planned cyber attack that revealed dozens of Ukrainian government websites with reportedly a message warning the country for drastic consequences further. After a few days of the attack, Microsoft identified dozens of computer networks at the Ukrainian government agencies and institutions infected with destructive malware disguised as ransomware. 

This is not the first time that Russia is interfering in Ukrainian government operations. In cyberspace, Russia has interrupted Ukrainian elections, targeted its power grid, revealed its government websites, and spread misinformation about Ukrainian internal affairs. These cyber operations are generally directed to undermine the Ukrainian government and private industries. The attacks aim to subdue and scare the government and the population. 

Bottom Line

Concerns over malicious Russian activity are not limited to Ukraine. There have been several cyberattacks against the US government, and others. Cybersecurity personnel have to constantly stay on their toes to confirm that they protect their country's security secrets effectively. Experts have advised Ukrainian government agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and implement defenses to stop Russia to intrude again.