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UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of hacking coronavirus vaccine research
- The three nations alleged that hacking group APT29 is attacking research institutions involved in coronavirus vaccine development
- The ongoing attacks are seen by officials as an effort to steal intellectual property, rather than to disrupt research
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Britain, the United States and Canada accused Russia on Thursday of trying to steal information from researchers seeking a Covid-19 vaccine.
The three nations alleged that hacking group APT29, also known as Cozy Bear and said to be part of the Russian intelligence service, is attacking academic and pharmaceutical research institutions involved in coronavirus vaccine development.
Britain’s National Cybersecurity Centre made the announcement, which was coordinated with authorities in the US and Canada.
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“It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.
“While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health.”
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The persistent and ongoing attacks are seen by intelligence officials as an effort to steal intellectual property, rather than to disrupt research.
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