UK exposes Russian intelligence agency for hundreds of cyberattacks to steal data and meddle in politics
• Russian intelligence agency FSB and its Centre 18 unit behind hundreds of spear-phishing cyberattacks on UK politicians, civil servants, journalists to steal information and interfere in UK politics
• Attacks date back to 2015 and involve impersonating contacts to gain access to email accounts and sensitive information
• UK names and sanctions two members of FSB hacking group “Star Blizzard” - Ruslan Peretyatko and Andrey Korinets
• Information acquired used to undermine the West in various ways; UK summons Russian ambassador over attempts to interfere in democratic processes
• Attacks proof that Russian cyber threat is real and serious; adversaries developing capabilities as government develops defenses