The impact of the war in Ukraine on cyberthreats

Russia’s war on Ukraine has influenced the cyber sphere in many ways. Cyber operations are used alongside traditional military action. According to Enisa, actors sponsored by the Russian state have carried out cyber operations against entities and organisations in Ukraine and in countries that support it.

Hacktivist (hacking for politically or socially motivated purposes) activity has also increased, with many conducting attacks to support their chosen side of the conflict.

Disinformation was a tool in cyberwarfare before the invasion started and both sides are using it. Russian disinformation has focused on finding justifications for the invasion, while Ukraine has used disinformation to motivate troops. Deepfakes with Russian and Ukrainian leaders expressing views supporting the other side of the conflict were also used.

Cybercriminals tried to extort money from people wanting to support Ukraine via fake charities

Cybercrime and cybersecurity