The News in Brief
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Bloomberg: Russia's Cyber Espionage Campaign Targeted Georgia's Government and Key Industries
On October 21, Bloomberg reported that Russia conducted a hacking campaign against nearly all Georgian government agencies and major companies between 2017 and 2020.
Among those affected were critical institutions such as Georgia's Foreign Ministry, Finance Ministry, and National Bank, as well as major energy and telecommunications providers, including pro-government media outlets Imedi TV and Maestro.
The Bloomberg article highlights the long-standing concerns about Russian interference, stating, "Claims of Russian hacking in an attempt to influence electoral outcomes hit the mainstream after the country was accused of meddling in the U.S. election in 2016." The report further notes that this extensive spying campaign allowed Russia to eavesdrop on Georgia, a country it seeks to control.
Documents reviewed by Bloomberg and European officials indicate that Russian intelligence not only monitored communications but also sought vulnerabilities in Georgia's critical infrastructure, including power and communications networks.
Additionally, the report reveals that Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) hacked into the Central Election Commission, likely gaining access to email accounts.
A separate document indicates that hackers associated with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) executed a months-long covert operation targeting Georgia's Foreign Ministry. This operation focused on gathering data from high-ranking officials, including a current deputy foreign minister and ambassadors to the U.S. and the EU.
According to unnamed European government officials cited by Bloomberg, Georgian authorities were warned by their Western counterparts about potential Russian hacking. However, it remains unclear whether any actions were taken in response.
Kobakhidze Dismisses EU Ministers' Statement on Georgia's Membership
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed a statement from the foreign ministers of 13 EU member states, asserting it holds no value. The ministers, from countries including Germany, France, and Poland, indicated that Georgia cannot join the EU unless the government changes its course.
Kobakhidze downplayed the statement, alleging it stems from a failed revolutionary process, stating, "This process has not succeeded, and therefore, no such statement has any value." He further emphasized that attention should be directed toward Moldova, which he claimed did not meet democratic standards in its elections held on October 20.
The Prime Minister reiterated a belief that once the war in Ukraine concludes and elections occur, "justice will be restored immediately." His remarks come in light of the EU ministers' assertion that Georgia's integration process has been suspended, a decision reached by the European Council on June 27, 2024.
The ministers emphasized that without a change in governance, Georgia's chances for EU membership remain bleak, insisting that to view this decision in any other light is either misguided or false.
Bloomberg: Russia's Cyber Espionage Campaign Targeted Georgia's Government and Key Industries
Among those affected were critical institutions such as Georgia's Foreign Ministry, Finance Ministry, and National Bank, as well as major energy and telecommunications providers, including pro-government media outlets Imedi TV and Maestro.
The Bloomberg article highlights the long-standing concerns about Russian interference, stating, "Claims of Russian hacking in an attempt to influence electoral outcomes hit the mainstream after the country was accused of meddling in the U.S. election in 2016." The report further notes that this extensive spying campaign allowed Russia to eavesdrop on Georgia, a country it seeks to control.
Documents reviewed by Bloomberg and European officials indicate that Russian intelligence not only monitored communications but also sought vulnerabilities in Georgia's critical infrastructure, including power and communications networks.
Additionally, the report reveals that Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) hacked into the Central Election Commission, likely gaining access to email accounts.
A separate document indicates that hackers associated with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) executed a months-long covert operation targeting Georgia's Foreign Ministry. This operation focused on gathering data from high-ranking officials, including a current deputy foreign minister and ambassadors to the U.S. and the EU.
According to unnamed European government officials cited by Bloomberg, Georgian authorities were warned by their Western counterparts about potential Russian hacking. However, it remains unclear whether any actions were taken in response.
Kobakhidze Dismisses EU Ministers' Statement on Georgia's Membership
Kobakhidze downplayed the statement, alleging it stems from a failed revolutionary process, stating, "This process has not succeeded, and therefore, no such statement has any value." He further emphasized that attention should be directed toward Moldova, which he claimed did not meet democratic standards in its elections held on October 20.
The Prime Minister reiterated a belief that once the war in Ukraine concludes and elections occur, "justice will be restored immediately." His remarks come in light of the EU ministers' assertion that Georgia's integration process has been suspended, a decision reached by the European Council on June 27, 2024.
The ministers emphasized that without a change in governance, Georgia's chances for EU membership remain bleak, insisting that to view this decision in any other light is either misguided or false.