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3w ago

France Publicly Accuses Russian GRU of Decade-Long Cyber Espionage

In a first, France attributes cyberattacks on key sectors and elections to GRU-linked APT28, signaling a strategic shift toward transparency and deterrence.

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FILE - People use their smartphones near the Olympic rings that are displayed on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, June 7, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)
Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of the words "Cyber Attack" in this illustration taken, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
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Overview

  • France formally blamed Russia's GRU unit APT28 for over a decade of cyberattacks, including the 2017 Macron campaign leaks and the 2015 TV5Monde hack.
  • This marks the first time France has publicly attributed cyberattacks to a foreign state actor based on its own intelligence and ANSSI data.
  • Since 2021, APT28 has targeted French ministries, defense firms, financial institutions, and organizations tied to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
  • APT28's attacks surged in 2024, with approximately 4,000 incidents attributed to Russian actors, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year.
  • France pledged to collaborate with international allies to strengthen cybersecurity and counter future threats from state-backed actors.