Cyberattack on Critical Infrastructure: Russia and the Ukrainian Power Grid Attacks

Abstract: 

Ukraine's electrical infrastructure has been repeatedly cyberattacked by Russian hacker groups with unclear connections to the Russian government. These attacks have both advanced Russia's destabilization campaign on Ukraine and also demonstrated the offensive capabilities of Russian hackers. These attacks were carried out by Russian cybercriminal groups with potential affiliations to the Russian government. Ukrainian and US officials and investigators have been able to attribute many cyberattacks to advancing Russian state interests but not necessarily proving state support. Russia has been using a hybrid warfare campaign with "cyber operations alongside traditional military force and political and economic pressure to exert control over, and destabilize countries along its western border". Before attacks on Ukraine's power grid, there have been two previous cyberattacks suspected to be part of Russia's hybrid warfare campaign: 2007 Cyberattacks on Estonia and the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. These attacks were well coordinated with political and military efforts and confused citizens citizens in the target countries. Ukraine may be a foreshadowing of the future of all states as cyberattacks are increasingly used in offensive foreign policy.

Author: 

DONGHUI PARK, MICHAEL WALSTROM

Year: 

2017

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Country: 

Russia

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