Statement on Russia’s malicious cyber activity affecting the United Kingdom

December 7, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada strongly condemns the electoral and political interference via cyber means by Russia targeting the United Kingdom. Canada joins its partners and allies in calling out this activity by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). Russia’s malicious cyber activity and its egregious disinformation campaigns are unacceptable and must stop.

“These incidents underline a pattern of disruptive cyber activity that demonstrate a repeated disregard for the rules-based international system. This activity also demonstrates the willingness of Russia to use its cyber capabilities irresponsibly.

“Previous malicious Russian cyber activities include:

• the targeting of Viasat KA-SAT satellite Internet service in Ukraine and other parts of Europe in February 2022
• the targeting of the Ukrainian banking sector in February 2022
• the exploitation of the SolarWinds platform by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) in 2021
• the SVR’s targeting of Canadian COVID-19 vaccine research and development in 2020
• the interference by Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU) in Georgia’s 2020 parliamentary elections
• the development and indiscriminate use of NotPetya malware in 2017, which caused massive damage to government and business networks globally

“Canada, in conjunction with our partners and allies, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and the European Union, will continue to advance a stable cyberspace, built on the applicability and respect of international law and responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

“The Communications Security Establishment’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reminds Canadian organizations, especially critical infrastructure network defenders, to bolster their awareness of and protection against Russian cyber threats. We encourage all Canadians to follow the updated advice and guidance at Cyber.gc.ca.”