The Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) said on Tuesday that the country saw its first “confirmed act of sabotage” by Russian hackers last year. The MIVD did not say which facility was attacked, the NL Times reported.
The sabotage attack did not cause any damage, the service said in its annual report. Russian hackers also tried to disrupt the Dutch people's ability to vote in the European elections by attacking political party websites.
According to MIVD, Russian cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and riskier. The portal added that in digital influence operations – such as the campaign to spread pro-Russian sentiment on social media – Moscow is increasingly reaching for artificial intelligence.
The MIVD expects an increase in attacks and Russian intelligence activities, even if the war with Ukraine ends. The Netherlands is an interesting target for Moscow, the NL Times stressed, citing Dutch support for Ukraine, the key port of Rotterdam and the advanced high-tech sector. Russia has also tried to map Dutch underwater infrastructure in the North Sea, the portal reported.
“International politics and alliances are undergoing turbulent changes. They are undermining certainties that until recently we could rely on and trust,” said MIVD chief Peter Reesink. “The speed at which this is happening and the potential impact on our security is unprecedented,” he said.
Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans assessed that, according to an intelligence report, the Netherlands is currently in a “gray zone” between war and peace. “The task is clear. We already have to defend ourselves against cyberattacks, espionage and sabotage attempts in the Netherlands every day. We have to strengthen our military capabilities,” he said, adding that it is necessary to “quickly strengthen the armed forces and the defense industry.” (PAP)
os/ akl/
