Russia is increasing hybrid attacks, Dutch intelligence: The Effect on Security, Invulnerable

The Netherlands and other Eastern European countries are threatened by Russia. The Dutch intelligence agency set up the alarm in a response to hers.

Russia is stepping up its hybrid attacks against the Netherlands and its European allies to influence and weaken their societies, said the director of this agency and Admiral office, Peter Reesnic.

The agency's annual report says Russia tried to undermine the 2024 European elections by launching cyber attacks on websites belonging to Dutch political parties and public transport companies, aiming to make it difficult for Dutch citizens.

“MIVD does not see the Russian threat against Europe declining, but on the rise. Even after a possible end of the war with Ukraine”, Peter Reesink said.

“has turbulent developments in international policy and in the area of the alliance the speed with which this is happening, and the possible effect on our security is unprecedented,” he added.

MIVD discovered several recent Russian operations in the Netherlands, including the first known cyber sabotage attack by a group of Russian hackers targeting digital systems of an unknown Dutch public object in 2017, writes a2cn.

According to the report, the impact of the attack was minimal and did not lead to any harm.

The agency also unveiled a Russian cyber operation targeting critical infrastructure in the Netherlands, potentially in preparation for future sabotages.

The operation was unsuccessful, highlighted in the report.

“We live in a grey zone between war and peace,” Dutch Defence Minister Reuben Brekemans commented. To prevent weaknesses in the face of Russia, a rapid increase in our armed forces and defence industry is essential. Only then can we prevent further Russian aggression in Europe,” he added. /Periscopi/