Gavin Williamson accuses Russia of 'ripping up rule book' with cyber attacks on Europe
2 min read
Gavin Williamson has hit out at the Russian government, accusing the Kremlin of launching "malicious cyber attacks" in an attempt to undermine the West.
The Defence Secretary's remarks came as the Foreign Office pointed the finger at Moscow over last year's devastating NotPetya cyberattack on the Ukrainian government.
The FCO said the attack had been disguised as a piece of criminal ransomware, but actually originated from the Russian GRU intelligence agency.
The attack also targeted private companies that trade with Ukraine, including shipping firm Maersk and household goods giant Reckitt Benhiser.
Foreign Office minister Lord Ahmad said: “The UK Government judges that the Russian government, specifically the Russian military, was responsible for the destructive NotPetya cyber attack.
"The attack showed a continued disregard for Ukrainian sovereignty. Its reckless release disrupted organisations across Europe, costing hundreds of millions of pounds."
Mr Williamson said the attack was another warning to the West to be prepared for acts of Russian aggression.
“We have entered a new era of warfare, witnessing a destructive and deadly mix of conventional military might and malicious cyber attacks," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"Russia is ripping up the rule book by undermining democracy, wrecking livelihoods by targeting critical infrastructure, and weaponising information. We must be primed and ready to tackle these threats.”
Last month he warned that a cyber attack on the UK had the potential to cause "thousands and thousands and thousands" of deaths - a claim that prompted a Russian defence spokesman to say Mr Williamson had "lost his grasp on reason".
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