The North Atlantic Council has issued a strong statement condemning the recent cyber attacks on Germany and Czechia. The Council stands in solidarity with both nations, following the malicious cyber campaigns against Germany’s Social Democratic Party and Czechia’s institutions.
“Allies recognize that Germany and Czechia have attributed the responsibility of the malicious cyber activities in their respective countries to the threat actor APT28 sponsored by the Russian Federation, specifically the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU),” the statement reads. The Council also expressed concern over the same threat actor targeting other national governmental entities, critical infrastructure operators, and other entities across the Alliance, including in Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden.
The Council strongly condemned these malicious cyber activities, stating they are intended to “undermine our democratic institutions, national security, and free society.” The cyber attacks on Germany and Czechia underscore that cyberspace is contested at all times, with cyber threat actors persistently seeking to destabilize the Alliance.
The North Atlantic Council remains committed to countering the substantial, continuous, and increasing cyber threat, including threats to democratic systems and critical infrastructure. “We are determined to employ the necessary capabilities in order to deter, defend against, and counter the full spectrum of cyber threats to support each other, including by considering coordinated responses,” the statement continues.
The Council ended its statement by promoting a free, open, peaceful, and secure cyberspace. It called on all States, including Russia, to respect their international obligations and commitments to uphold international law and act within the framework for responsible state behavior in cyberspace as affirmed by all members of the United Nations. The Council’s strong stance sends a clear message to all cyber threat actors: malicious activities will not be tolerated.
