UK ambulance services have become the latest target for Russian hackers as part of Moscow’s ongoing mission to create chaos in Britain. Reports indicate that the Kremlin-protected hacking network has directed its efforts towards key suppliers of the UK Ambulance Services over the past year.
This cyber threat comes in the wake of MI5 director Ken McCallum’s warning of continued aggression from Russia amidst the conflict in Ukraine. The hackers successfully targeted a crucial supplier to the Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP), which serves to connect ambulances with the NHS and other emergency responders.
According to sources, this attack is believed to be part of a new Russian cyber warfare campaign known as “Cyber Wagner”, referencing the notorious Russian mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Despite diplomatic expulsions, Moscow has intensified its attacks on the UK, with the GRU, Russia’s intelligence service, playing a significant role in these operations.
McCallum highlighted that the GRU is on a mission to sow chaos in British and European streets through tactics like arson and sabotage. He stressed that the UK’s strong support for Ukraine has made it a prime target for Russian aggression, leading to a heightened state of alert.
Earlier this year, former National Cyber Security Centre CEO, Ciaran Martin, disclosed that a Russian cybercrime group named Qilin was behind a ransomware attack on major London hospitals. This attack on Synnovis, a pathology services firm, severely impacted hospital operations, underlining the serious threat posed by such cybercriminal activities.
The Health Department has been approached for further comment regarding the recent cyber attacks on UK ambulance services. The escalating cyber warfare tactics employed by Russian hackers underscore the need for heightened vigilance and cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and public services in the UK.