Finland Warns of Ongoing Russian Cyber Espionage Campaign

The Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) and the Finnish Defence Intelligence Agency have alerted companies about a persistent Russian cyber espionage campaign that is focusing on corporate network infrastructure. This warning is distinct from previous concerns regarding home internet routers, emphasizing the vulnerability of corporate systems.

This advisory is part of a broader alert issued on Monday by the US National Security Agency (NSA) and several Western intelligence agencies, which indicated that state-backed Russian hackers are continuing to exploit inadequately protected network devices.

On the same day, the European Council accused Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) of engaging in a sustained campaign of malicious cyber activities targeting the European Union, its member states, and international partners, with a particular focus on Ukraine. The Council noted that the FSB has been involved in various intrusions over the years, including infiltrating governmental networks and sabotaging critical infrastructure.

Countries that have been targeted include Finland, France, Germany, Poland, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, and Romania. The Council highlighted that the FSB's so-called 16th Centre orchestrates multiple groups responsible for these cyber operations. This center is also known by various names, including Berserk Bear, Energetic Bear, Crouching Yeti, Dragonfly, Ghost Blizzard, and Static Tundra.

In response to these threats, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has summoned Russia's ambassador to Finland for questioning regarding the country's cyber activities. Similarly, France, Germany, and the UK have announced plans to summon Russian ambassadors in their respective nations to address these concerns.