UK Minister Warns of Russian Cyber Attacks on NATO Members, Businesses

Russia is preparing to weaken support for Ukraine through cyber-attacks targeting Britain and other NATO members, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden will warn in a speech at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference at Lancaster House on Monday.

McFadden will emphasize the dangers posed by Russian cyber activities, describing them as a "hidden war" that can disrupt critical infrastructure, such as power grids, and impact millions of people. According to excerpts reported by the Sunday Telegraph, he will stress that the threat is real and that Russia remains aggressive and reckless in the cyber realm.

In his address, McFadden is expected to specifically highlight Unit 29155, a Russian military unit linked to previous cyber-attacks in the UK and Europe. He will also point to "hacktivists" and mercenary cyber groups that, while not directly controlled by the Kremlin, act with impunity as long as their activities align with Russian interests.

The minister’s speech follows a recent cyber-attack on South Korea, a NATO Indo-Pacific partner, reportedly carried out by a pro-Kremlin cyber group in response to South Korea’s monitoring of North Korean troop movements. McFadden will warn that such groups can create instability with minimal oversight, potentially causing widespread damage through miscalculation.

McFadden will highlight Russia’s escalating cyber warfare, involving its military, cyber criminals, and hacktivists targeting NATO members and partners. In the U.K., these attacks have hit media, telecoms, political institutions, and energy infrastructure, posing destabilizing risks.

This warning follows Putin's recent threats against the U.K. after Ukraine’s use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles. Putin claimed Russia could use intermediate-range missiles against nations aiding Ukraine, including the U.K. and the U.S.

Ministers acknowledge the challenge of stopping Russian cyber-attacks but are confident in measures to protect critical infrastructure. Recent incidents include ransomware attacks by Russian gang Qilin on two London NHS hospital trusts, delaying over 800 operations and 700 outpatient appointments. Pro-Russian hackers also disrupted local council websites. Additionally, state-aligned groups have conducted nine attacks on NATO states, with unpredictable and severe consequences.

McFadden stresses the threat from unofficial hacktivists operating with impunity under Putin’s tacit approval. He warns British businesses of their vulnerability as Russia exploits any cyber defence gaps, costing the U.K. economy £27 billion annually.

To counter this, McFadden will meet business leaders and national security officials, while the government drafts the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The legislation aims to strengthen defences, mandate reporting of attacks, and enhance infrastructure protection by addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and learning from past incidents.