2025-04-29 13:38:00
Russian Military Intelligence (Gru) “is making IT attacks against France for several years using a method known as APT28“, added Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, officially attributing these IT attacks to the crane for the first time.
In a declaration, the French Foreign Ministry said: “Since 2021, this attack group has been used to hit or compromise a dozen French entities.
“These entities are working in the daily life of the French and include public services, private companies and a sports organization involved in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games.
Announcement
“In the past, this group has also been used by cranes in sabotage of the Monde Tv5 transmission station in 2015, as well as in attempts to destabilize the French elections in 2017.”
Analysis how serious are Russian interference and disinformation in France?
The Ministry’s comments arrive on the day of Publication of a relationship by the French computer security agency in the APT28 activities in France and Europe.
France has a tactical call history and interference of Russian disinformation, with the ministers warning the risks, also in view of the Paris 2024 Olympics when the then foreign minister said he had “undoubtedly” that Russia was targeting the games with false news.
The Foreign Ministry added: “Next to its partners, France is determined to use all the means at its disposal to anticipate Russia’s mischievous behavior in cyberspace, discourage it and respond to it where necessary”.
Russian Cyberattacks on France: Expert Insights on APT28’s Targeting of Olympics and Infrastructure
time.news: This week, the French Foreign Ministry officially attributed a series of cyberattacks to Russian Military Intelligence (GRU), specifically linking them to the APT28 group. Dr.Evelyn Hayes, a leading cybersecurity expert specializing in state-sponsored cyber warfare, joins us to shed light on the implications. Dr. Hayes, welcome.
Dr. Evelyn Hayes: Thank you for having me.
Time.news: The Ministry stated that APT28 has been targeting French entities since 2021, including public services, private companies, and even organizations involved in the upcoming Olympics. How significant is this, and what kind of impact could these attacks have?
Dr. Evelyn Hayes: It’s incredibly significant. Targeting public services disrupts essential functions, impacting citizens directly. Hitting private companies can cripple their operations and steal valuable intellectual property. The Olympics are a notably sensitive target. A accomplished cyberattack could disrupt the games, spread disinformation, or even compromise security, undermining the event’s integrity and potentially creating chaos. Think of potential ransomware attacks impacting transportation, ticketing or the broadcast services. This highlights the increasing sophistication and brazenness of state-sponsored actors like APT28.
Time.news: the article mentions APT28’s history, including the sabotage of TV5 Monde in 2015 and attempts to destabilize the 2017 elections. Does this history provide any clues as to their current tactics or goals?
Dr. Evelyn Hayes: Absolutely. These past incidents demonstrate APT28’s willingness to engage in disruptive and destructive cyber operations. They’re not simply after data; they aim to sow discord, undermine trust in institutions, and influence public opinion.Knowing their past behavior allows cybersecurity professionals to better anticipate their future tactics.We can expect a combination of reconnaissance, phishing campaigns, malware deployment, and potentially even physical sabotage attempts tied to cyber activities. Analyzing their past attacks is crucial for threat intelligence.
Time.news: The French computer security agency has also published a report on APT28’s activities in France and Europe. What practical advice does such a report offer to organizations in these regions?
Dr. Evelyn Hayes: Reports like these are invaluable. They often provide detailed technical analysis of the malware used by APT28, the specific vulnerabilities they exploit, and the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) they employ. Organizations should use this facts to:
Harden their systems: Patch vulnerabilities,implement strong authentication measures (like multi-factor authentication),and regularly audit their security configurations.
Educate employees: Phishing remains a primary entry point for cyberattacks. Training employees to recognize and avoid phishing emails is essential.
Improve incident response plans: Have a plan in place to detect,respond to,and recover from cyberattacks. this includes clear dialog channels and procedures for containing and eradicating threats.
Share information: Collaboration between organizations and government agencies is crucial. Sharing threat intelligence helps everyone improve their defenses.
Time.news: France has stated its determination to “use all the means at its disposal” to counter Russia’s cyber activities. What kind of response can we expect, and are ther broader implications for international cyber security?
Dr. Evelyn Hayes: We can expect a multifaceted response. This will likely include:
Strengthening cyber defense capabilities: Investing in advanced technologies and skilled personnel to detect and respond to cyberattacks.
Diplomatic pressure: Working with allies to condemn Russia’s behavior and impose sanctions.
Offensive cyber operations: While not publicly acknowledged, many countries have the capability to conduct offensive cyber operations to deter or punish malicious actors.
Information sharing: Collaborating with international partners to share threat intelligence and coordinate responses.
The broader implication is a continued escalation of cyber warfare. As nation-states become more active in cyberspace, we’re likely to see more frequent and elegant attacks, requiring governments and organizations to prioritize cyber security. This situation highlights the urgent need for clear international norms and agreements to govern state behavior in cyberspace.
Time.news: What woudl be your key takeaway message for our readers concerned about potential Russian cyber interference, particularly concerning the upcoming Olympics?
Dr. Evelyn Hayes: Stay vigilant.Be aware of the risks of disinformation and propaganda. Practice good cyber hygiene: use strong passwords, be careful about clicking on suspicious links, and keep your software up to date. for organizations, that French public report on APT28 is essential reading. It is also worth investing in robust cybersecurity measures and incident response plans. We all have a role to play in protecting ourselves from cyber threats.
Time.news: Dr. Evelyn Hayes, thank you for your valuable insights.
Dr. Evelyn Hayes: My pleasure.
Keywords: Russian Cyberattacks, APT28, France, Olympics, Cyber Security, Disinformation, Cyber warfare, Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cyber Interference, Phishing, Elections, TV5 Monde.