Unit 29155: The Russian cyberagency targeting Britain
Dec 16, 2024
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Fiona Hamilton, Chief Correspondent for The Times and expert in security reporting, delves into the ominous activities of Unit 29155, a Russian military intelligence unit notorious for cyberattacks and assassinations in Britain. She unpacks the chilling incidents like the Salisbury poisonings and alleged sabotage against DHL. The discussion highlights MI5's strategies against these threats while addressing the broader implications of espionage and disinformation in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
The Russian military intelligence unit, Unit 29155, has been implicated in cyberattacks and assassinations, highlighting serious security threats to the UK.
The Salisbury poisonings underscore the brutal tactics of Russian espionage, illustrating the dangers posed by Unit 29155 in targeting dissidents abroad.
Deep dives
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Cyber Threats from Russia
Russia's cyber capabilities pose significant threats to NATO member states, with particular attention given to a military intelligence unit known as Unit 29155. This group has conducted numerous malicious cyber activities targeting various sectors, including healthcare and critical infrastructure. During a NATO conference, a British official emphasized the necessity of public awareness regarding such threats, highlighting the potential for severe disruptions, including power outages. The announcement of a new unit to counteract these cyber threats underscores the growing urgency to address this form of aggression.
Salisbury Poisonings and Espionage Tactics
The Salisbury poisonings served as a pivotal incident, bringing attention to Russia's espionage tactics, particularly through GRU Unit 29155. This military intelligence group allegedly used a nerve agent to target a former Russian spy living in the UK, showcasing their willingness to conduct operations abroad. The fallout from this assassination attempt led to tragic consequences, including the death of an innocent woman who came into contact with the discarded chemical weapon. This incident exemplifies the lengths to which Russia will go to intimidate dissidents and disrupt foreign adversaries.
Security services have issued an unprecedented warning about a shadowy Russian military unit accused of carrying out assassinations and cyberattacks on the streets of Britain. So as the government ramps up its defence against the threat from the Kremlin, what exactly is Unit 29155? And why is it targeting the West?
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Guest: Fiona Hamilton, Chief Correspondent, The Times.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Clips: Reuters, OnDemand News, Sky News, BBC News, Channel 4 News, RT, CBS News, Independent.