Russia using cyber hacks to 'disable' western democracy
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon warns Nato must defend itself in cyber space as it does on land, air and sea
Vladimir Putin's Russia is using cyber attacks to undermine democracy in Europe and the United States, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has warned.
Speaking at the University of St Andrews, Fallon accused Russia of "weaponising misinformation" and called on Nato to do more to combat the "false reality" being created by the Kremlin.
"Nato must defend itself as effectively in the cyber sphere as it does in the air, on land and at sea," he said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Defence Secretary said there had been a "persistent pattern of behaviour" by Moscow, highlighting a series of cyber attacks that had been linked to Russia.
"Today we see a country that in weaponising misinformation has created what we might now see as the post-truth age. Part of that is the use of cyber-weaponry to disrupt critical infrastructure and disable democratic machinery," he said.
"Russia is clearly testing Nato and the west. It is seeking to expand its sphere of influence, destabilise countries and weaken the alliance."
Moscow is believed to have orchestrated "a string of high-profile cyber attacks across Europe and America", the Daily Telegraph says, including an interruption of French television channel TV5 Monde broadcasting in 2015 and a shut-down of the German parliamentary network months later.
Fallon used the speech to back US President Donald Trump's call for Nato member states to "honour the commitment to spend two per cent of GDP on defence", Sky News says.
However, his "anti-Russian rhetoric contrasts with that of Donald Trump, who, in a shift from his predecessor, Barack Obama, appears to be moving towards rapprochement with Moscow", The Guardian says.
The speech comes just ahead of Prime Minister Theresa May's arrival in Malta for an informal EU summit, at which she is expected to push for a funding boost from EU Nato members.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
How safe are cruise ships in storms?
The Explainer The vessels are always prepared
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published