Should we expect more cyberattacks as the European elections approach in June? What to think of the attack “of unprecedented intensity” who, on March 10 and 11, targeted a government computer network, and its claim by a small self-proclaimed group of “hacktivists” (contraction of “hacker” and “activist”)? What are the main threats weighing on the Olympic Games (OG) which will take place this summer in France?
While the inCyber Forum, the main conference devoted to cybersecurity in France, is being held from Tuesday March 26 to Thursday March 28 in Lille, John Hultquist, chief analyst at Mandiant, an Alphabet subsidiary dedicated to tracking and the study of elite hackers, answers the questions of Monde.
John Hultquist, chief analyst at cybersecurity firm Mandiant. MANDIANT
In recent days, you have identified a computer attack carried out by APT29, a group linked to the Russian foreign intelligence service, against political parties in Germany. Why is this campaign remarkable?
Generally, APT29 carries out two types of actions. The first is to target technology companies, which they compromise in order to reach their customers. The second is phishing targeting diplomatic personnel. So here we have a notable exception, insofar as many elections will take place in 2024 around the world, and we are worried to see these kinds of hacker groups getting involved. Political measures are born in parties: if your job is to collect information for an opposing country, that’s where the relevant information can be found.
Is there a reason for this change in strategy?
Given the number of elections that are going to take place in the West, there is enormous interest for the intelligence services to take an interest in them. The other very important factor is, of course, the war in Ukraine: Russia needs to know what France, Germany or the United States think of the conflict. Since before the war even began, they have wanted to determine their next actions. And, for that, they read our emails.
Is it possible that APT29 is attacking other political parties, particularly in France?
Absolutely, and that’s why we’re sounding the alarm. Especially since Russia has a history in this area, its military intelligence services having targeted Emmanuel Macron’s party in 2017. The threat is real.
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In the past, we have mainly seen APT29 carry out traditional espionage operations. Is it possible that they will try to take stronger actions, such as directly interfering in the course of the European election?
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2024-03-26 07:00:17
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