NATO states considering ‘offensive cyber ops’ against Russia – Politico

Latvia’s top diplomat has said that the alliance’s European members must send “a signal” to Moscow

NATO’s European members are reportedly considering joint offensive cyber operations against Russia, Politico Europe reported on Thursday, citing two senior EU government officials and three diplomats.

Western governments are assessing cyber and other options in response to alleged “hybrid attacks” by Moscow, according to the publication.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze told Politico that NATO must “be more proactive on the cyber offensive” and better coordinate their intelligence services. “And it’s not talking that sends a signal – it’s doing,” she said.

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In late 2024, NATO unveiled plans to establish a new integrated cyber defense center at its headquarters in Belgium, which is expected to go online by 2028. Stefano Piermarocchi, head of cyber risk management within NATO’s chief information office, told Breaking Defense that the new hub would enhance situational awareness and help coordinate responses to threats.

NATO members have previously accused Russia of hacking government servers, jamming GPS signals of airplanes, and flying drones in their airspace. Moscow has denied the allegations as warmongering and described the West’s sanctions and aid to Ukraine as “hybrid aggression.”

Cyberattacks on Russia jumped 46% this year, according to RED Security. High-profile incidents included the hacking of the database of Russia’s largest airline, Aeroflot, in July, for which two pro-Ukraine groups claimed responsibility.