Russian military intelligence (GRU) “has been carrying out cyberattacks against France for several years using a method known as APT28,” added Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, officially attributing these cyberattacks to the GRU for the first time.
In a statement the French foreign ministry said: “Since 2021, this attack group has been used to target or compromise a dozen French entities.
“These entities are working in the daily lives of French people and include public services, private enterprises as well as a sport organisation involved in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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“In the past, this group was also used by GRU in the sabotage of the TV5 Monde broadcasting station in 2015, as well as in attempts to destabilise the French elections in 2017.”
ANALYSIS How serious is Russian interference and disinformation in France?
The ministry’s comments come on the day of the publication of a report by the French Cybersecurity Agency into the activities of APT28 in France and Europe.
France has a history of calling out Russian disinformation tactics and interference, with ministers warning of the risks, including in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics when the then-foreign minister said he had “no doubt” that Russia was targeting the Games with fake news stories.
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The foreign ministry added: “Alongside its partners, France is determined to use all the means at its disposal to anticipate Russia’s malicious behaviour in cyberspace, discourage it and respond to it where necessary.”
