Russian hackers have recently targeted ambulance services in the UK as part of a broader cyber campaign with the intention of causing chaos on British streets. This attack by a hacking network was specifically directed towards key suppliers to the UK Ambulance Services over the past year.
This cyber incident is believed to be connected to a larger Russian cyberwarfare campaign known as “Cyber Wagner,” as identified by UK intelligence sources. The attack focused on a crucial supplier to the Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP), which plays a vital role in connecting ambulances to the NHS and other emergency responders, as reported by the i newspaper.
These cyber threats come at a time when MI5 director Ken McCallum has issued warnings about Russia’s increased aggression towards the UK, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite diplomatic measures taken against Russia, such as the expulsion of diplomatic staff, Moscow has continued its cyber attacks on the UK. The GRU, the Russian intelligence service, has been identified as the primary entity responsible for these malicious activities.
Mr. McCallum highlighted that the GRU is on a mission to create chaos in the UK through actions like arson, sabotage, and other disruptive activities. He emphasized that the UK’s support for Ukraine has made it a target for Russian aggression, leading to continued hostile acts on British soil.
In a separate incident in June, the former chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre revealed that a Russian cybercrime group called Qilin was behind a ransomware attack on major London hospitals. This attack, targeting the pathology services firm Synnovis, resulted in a significant reduction in operational capacity and was deemed a severe cyber incident.
Cybersecurity expert Ciaran Martin explained that these criminal groups, like Qilin, operate from within Russia with the aim of financial gain. They have a history of targeting organizations worldwide, ranging from automotive companies to media outlets like the Big Issue in the UK. The attackers are known to use the dark web and sophisticated tactics to carry out their malicious activities.
As the investigation into these cyber attacks continues, the Health Department has been approached for comment on the recent targeting of ambulance services by Russian hackers. The UK remains vigilant against such cyber threats and is working to enhance its cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and services.
