Czech Republic denounces several Russian cyberattacks attributed to Fancy Bear group

Prague has been targeted several times by cyberattacks orchestrated by a group linked to the Russian military intelligence services GRU, accuses the Czech Foreign Ministry on Friday May 3. “Exploiting a previously unknown vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook from 2023”they aimed “certain institutions”, specifies a press release. The ministry points to the Russian group APT28, also known by the nickname “Fancy Bear”, on the basis of “mode of operation and objectives of these attacks”.

According to Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, the country’s infrastructure has recorded “Several dozens” attacks of this kind, directed “by the Russian Federation and its intelligence service, the GRU”he said during a press conference with his German counterpart, Nancy Faeser. “The Czech Republic is a target” and is “perceived by the Russian Federation as an enemy country”he added.

Berlin also denounces cyberattacks

The German government, for its part, says it has summoned the charge d’affaires of the Russian embassy. Berlin also accuses Russian intelligence of being behind cyberattacks, notably against members of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). “Publicly pointing the finger at a specific attacker is important to protect national interests”Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky told AFP.

The Czech Republic, which is part of the EU and NATO, has provided substantial military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the Russian attack began in February 2022. Last March, Czech intelligence said having uncovered a network financed by Moscow to spread propaganda favorable to Russia in Europe, targeting in particular the European Parliament before the June elections. The group used the Prague-based news site Voice of Europe to spread news aimed at dissuading the EU from sending aid to Ukraine.