The NATO debate and the war in Ukraine have set in motion the Russian bot armies.
Russia has a long history of influencing information. Adobe Stock / AOP
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, many Finns have come across content that seems questionable, especially on social media. There is a lot of misinformation and direct propaganda in the movement that is trying to influence public opinion, especially now that the NATO debate is very topical in Finland.
Leading specialist of the Digital and Population Information Agency Kimmo Rousku says that there has been talk in Finland for years about hybrid influence in Russia. It includes, for example, political, diplomatic, economic and, to some extent, military influence. Recently, the cyber and information influences involved have also begun to be highlighted, the effects of which have been visible and will increase.
– Some of these influences are visible and are meant to be scary. Some, on the other hand, take place beneath the surface. Psychological and humanitarian influencing of emotions is essential in hybrid influence. This is an attempt to influence our attitudes, opinions and decisions, Rousku says.
With regard to influencing companies on the Russian side, Rousku estimates that similar activities will probably be seen in Finland as in Ukraine as early as 2014.
This is how Russia is trying to make an impact
Below, Rousku explains the ways in which Finns should prepare.
Electoral influence
– This will be especially emphasized in the parliamentary elections in a year’s time, where it will be more important than ever, regardless of the NATO issue.
Cyber attacks
– Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure in particular need to be prepared for. Targets may include electricity distribution, telecommunications networks, government players, media houses and telecommunications companies.
Denial of service attacks
– Denial-of-service attacks have also been carried out by cybercriminals in the past. There are a lot of them going on all the time, but the vast majority of them have been repelled, and attempts to attack alone do not come to the fore.
Malware attacks
– Malware has been distributed in a number of different ways. Email is perhaps the most worrying channel through which the means of attack are exploited.
Cyber attacks against individuals
– Social media has sought to hijack the accounts of prominent, well-known individuals. Individual users should be alert to notifications about login attempts or possible password changes to their accounts, as there may be an attacker in the background trying to hijack your account.
Data wiping attacks
– This is a really worrying form of influence that deliberately seeks to destroy data and information systems. In the physical world, when missiles are used to destroy strategic buildings, the idea in data wiping is the same, but on the web side. The problem, however, is that it is really difficult to aim such so-called digital missiles. In addition to the target, the missile can fly to targets for which it is not intended. The cyber weapons of the digital world are unpredictable and Finland and the rest of the world should be awake with them.
Deep counterfeits
– Deep-looking images and videos that look really real can fool the inattentive. For example, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky a deepfake video was made in his name asking his troops to surrender.
Influencing information
– Bottom nets and troll factories try to influence people’s opinions and sow chaos. These bots have been developed to reinforce the message and create the feeling that the issue is being discussed by many different people. They are like an invisible army that is not noticeable from the outside.