The Netherlands summoned the Russian ambassador over the hacking of CCTV cameras along military routes
This has been reported by NOS, citing the Dutch Foreign Minister, Tom Berendsen. A meeting with the diplomat is scheduled for 14 July.
According to the Dutch intelligence services, the AIVD and MIVD, Russian state-sponsored hackers gained access to a small number of private IP cameras installed near military logistics routes.
The compromised cameras allowed remote monitoring of vehicle movements. In this way, the Russian security services were able to gather information on transport routes, as well as the types of weapons and military equipment being supplied to Ukraine.
How the Russians hacked the cameras
The operation spanned NATO and European Union countries, as well as Ukraine. Dutch intelligence described it as a systematic Russian digital espionage campaign.
Hackers searched for internet-connected cameras used by private companies and other organisations. They often managed to gain access to the equipment via default passwords, outdated software and inadequate security settings.
Owners of cameras along military routes have already been warned about the breach and urged to strengthen the security of their equipment. The Netherlands considers itself one of the targets of Russian espionage due to the country’s role in the transit of military aid to Ukraine.
Statements from the Netherlands
Berendsen stated that a clear protest would be lodged with the Russian ambassador over the actions of the Russian security services. The minister emphasised that the cyber-attacks would not force the Netherlands to reduce its aid to Ukraine.
France, Germany and Finland have also announced that they are summoning the Russian ambassadors over espionage, cyberattacks and sabotage.
The EU has imposed sanctions over Russian cyberattacks
On 13 July, the European Union stated that the 16th Centre of Russia’s Federal Security Service controls several hacker groups, including TURLA.
The EU links these groups to breaches of government networks, cyber-espionage and sabotage against critical infrastructure in European countries and Ukraine.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on nine individuals and four organisations for their involvement in Russian cyber-operations. The sanctions list includes Russian military intelligence officers, hackers and private companies involved in destabilisation operations.
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