Russian hackers trying to steal British Covid-19 vaccine research

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said attacks have targeted organisations involved in world-leading vaccine research in the UK and around the world.

Because of the sensitivity of the research as countries race to develop an effective treatment for Covid-19, analysts believe the hacking attempts have been sanctioned at the highest levels of the Russian government.

The statement, which will further raise tensions between the UK Government and Moscow, was issued in partnership with intelligence services in the USA and Canada.

British cyber security officials say the APT29 group of hackers – also known as ‘the Dukes’ or ‘Cozy Bear’ – are behind the attacks and almost certainly operate as part of Russian intelligence services.

APT29 has been linked with a series of high-profile cyber attacks around the world, including the hacking of the Demoncratic Party during the 2016 election.

NCSC Director of Operations Paul Chichester, said: "We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

“Working with our allies, the NCSC is committed to protecting our most critical assets and our top priority at this time is to protect the health sector.

“We would urge organisations to familiarise themselves with the advice we have published to help defend their networks.”

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman did set out what action the UK Government would take, but told journalists: “The attacks which are taking place against scientists and others doing vital work to combat coronavirus are despicable.

"Working with our allies, we will call out those who seek to do us harm in cyber space and hold them to account.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

“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.

“The UK will continue to counter those conducting such cyber attacks, and work with our allies to hold perpetrators to account.”

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