Cyber security: warning in Belfast of Russian group attacks designed to cause maximum damage in UK
Last updated 19th Apr 2023
New Russian-aligned cyber groups are planning attacks on security systems across the UK, it was warned today (Wednesday).
UK Government minister Oliver Dowden who is Secretary of State for National Investment Security was giving a major speech at the CyberUK conference in Belfast.
Other speakers include representatives from across the National Cyber Security Centre and the intelligence community, public and private sector chief information security officers and representatives of cyber security suppliers and the technology industry.
Mr Dowden believes cyber groups are attempting to cause maximum damage to the UK’s critical national infrastructure.
And he confirmed the NCSC was issuing an official threat notice to operators to help protect the country.
He was also unveiling a series of measures to encourage certain businesses “on the front line of our cyber defences” to strengthen their security and boost the economy.
It is understood over the last few months, several Russian-aligned groups have turned their focus towards the UK with the primary motive "to disrupt or destroy”.
“These adversaries are ideologically motivated, rather than financially motivated,” Mr Dowden was expected to tell today's conference.
“Disclosing this threat is not something we do lightly.
“But we believe it is necessary…if we want these companies to understand the current risk they face, and take action to defend themselves and the country.”
Dowden was expected to issue “call to arms” to businesses to strengthen their security, is also expected to introduce measures to bolster the Government’s ability to hold operators of critical infrastructure to account
“A bricks-and-mortar business wouldn’t survive if it left the back door open to criminals every night," according to Dowden.
"Equally in today’s world, businesses can’t afford…to leave their digital back door open to cyber crooks and hackers.
“The safer we make our businesses, the safer we make our economy - and the more attractive we become as a destination for entrepreneurs,” he will say, adding: “The fact that the UK has in the last few years taken cybersecurity so seriously already makes us one of the best places in the world to invest.”
Dowden will also argue that “the government needs to break through its own glass ceiling” when it comes to attracting the best cyber talent into government.
He is expected to announce that he is looking at what more can be done to improve salaries for cyber security experts in the civil service. “These are people protecting the systems and public services that millions of people across the country rely on every day, so we should want the very best people in charge of them. We must be competitive to stay ahead”.