A component of the Russian military secret service GROe is carrying out cyber attacks on vital infrastructure and government institutions in Western countries. The Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) is warning of this.
Other intelligence agencies, including those of the United Kingdom, Germany, Estonia, Australia and the United States, are also manning up to be alert to this unit. The main goal of the group is currently to disrupt support to Ukraine. The unit in question is Unit 29155, which conducts physical sabotage and influence operations.
This is the first time the security services are reporting that this group is also focusing on cyber attacks. However, this unit has reportedly been conducting hacking activities since 2020. Among other things, the Russian unit is said to be responsible for the Whispergate attacks. The aim of these was to destroy computer systems in Ukraine and NATO countries by 2022.
So far, the Netherlands would not have been a victim of Unit 29155. However, the threat is real, says MIVD Vice Admiral Peter Reesink. "They target the logistics sector in countries that supply aid to Ukraine or have a role in it. And the Netherlands is an important transit country."
