Ukraine still remains the main target, but Russian hackers are increasingly targeting NATO countries. Of the ten worst affected countries, no fewer than nine are members of the alliance.
The United States bore the brunt, with 20 percent of all attacks targeting them. The United Kingdom follows with 12 percent, Germany with 6 percent. Belgium, Italy, Estonia, France, the Netherlands and Poland each suffered 5 percent or less of the digital hits.
Microsoft warns that the Russians are mainly targeting government agencies and think tanks. Together they account for almost 40 percent of all targets. Moscow sees these organizations as gold mines full of strategic information, especially because of their policies and support for Ukraine.
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Hybrid warfare
The new figures come at a sensitive time. Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Russia is waging a “deliberate and targeted gray zone campaign” against Europe. In Strasbourg she spoke of “hybrid warfare”, a mix of disinformation, sabotage and digital attacks that should disrupt European societies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warns that Russia is waging a “deliberate and targeted gray zone campaign” against Europe. © ANP / HH
“This is not random intimidation,” von der Leyen warned. “It is a coherent and escalating campaign to unsettle our citizens, divide the Union and weaken our support for Ukraine.”
Microsoft also sees a change in the Russians’ tactics. Hackers are no longer only targeting large government targets, but also smaller companies in countries with ties to Ukraine. These companies serve as ‘pivots’, relatively easy gateways to larger networks.