Attack targets facilities that could store nuclear warheads
Russian-linked hackers have carried out a large-scale cyberattack on eight UK military bases, including RAF Lakenheath airbase, where US fighter jets are deployed F-35 and probably, NATO nuclear weapons elements.
This is reported by the British edition Daily Mirror, citing security sources.
Military systems hacked and leaked to the darknet
According to journalists, the attackers Gained access to official documents The British Ministry of Defence and posted some of the data on the darknet.
The stolen information includes information on the security of facilities, video surveillance systems and internal reports of defence contractors.
The investigation revealed that the attack was coordinated from several IP addresses linked to Russian groups, The attackers have previously targeted energy companies and governments in Europe.
Striking at the most important bases
In addition to Leukengit, other companies came under cyber attack:
base RAF Waddington, where reconnaissance aircraft are stationed;
base RAF Coningsby, on which the Eurofighter Typhoon is based;
several logistics and technical centres of the Royal Air Force.
Cybersecurity experts note that the attack was of a reconnaissance nature, rather than the goal of directly destroying systems.
London's reaction
The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed the fact cyber attacks on defence contractors, but assured that No critical military system was hacked.
«We are investigating the incident and cooperating with international partners to protect our facilities,» the official statement said.
The Russian footprint and the consequences
Analysts call this operation one of the most audacious cyberattacks against Britain in recent years.
According to experts, its goal is to to cause panic and demonstrate the ability of Russian hackers to penetrate NATO military networks.
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