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Shutterstock/Dmytro Tyshchenko

UK accuses Russian hackers of trying to steal research for a coronavirus vaccine

The hacking group APT29, also named ‘the Dukes’ or ‘Cozy Bear’, almost certainly operates as part of Russian Intelligence Services, the UK said.

THE UK’S CYBER-SECURITY agency has accused a hacking group it said “almost certainly” operates as part of Russian intelligence services of trying to steal research into potential coronavirus vaccines.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said the attacks by the group APT29 were ongoing but targets have so far included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations.

The NCSC said it is “95%+” certain that APT29 are part of the Russian Intelligence Services, and that it is “highly likely, 80–90%”, that this activity was to collect information on Covid-19 vaccine research or on SARS-CoV-2 itself.

In a joint statement with the US National Security Agency and the Canadian Communication Security Establishment, the NCSC said the attacks were part of a global campaign by the group known as APT29 to steal the secrets of vaccine research.

“The NCSC assesses that APT29, also named the Dukes or Cozy Bear, almost certainly operate as part of Russian Intelligence Services,” it said.

The group uses a variety of tools and techniques, including spear-phishing and custom malware known as “WellMess” and “WellMail”.

APT29’s campaign of malicious activity is ongoing, predominantly against government, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets to steal valuable intellectual property.

Tweet by @Shehab Khan Shehab Khan / Twitter Shehab Khan / Twitter / Twitter

NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said: “We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab expressed outrage at the findings, which were published alongside an advisory on how organisations can help protect themselves from cyber attacks.

“It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health.

Raab continued: “The UK will continue to counter those conducting such cyber attacks, and work with our allies to hold perpetrators to account.”

The NCSC said that government, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy groups were mainly being targeted, in a bid “to steal valuable intellectual property”.

Election meddling

Moments earlier, the UK accused “Russian actors” of seeking to disrupt its general election held late last year by circulating leaked trade documents between London and Washington.

The government launched an investigation into the source of the leak, after details of talks with the United States on a possible post-Brexit trade deal were published on social media site Reddit.

The main opposition Labour party said the files proved the government would “sell-out” the state-run National Health Service (NHS) to US companies.

Funding for the NHS was a key campaign issue before the 12 December vote.

Labour’s then-leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed as a “conspiracy theory” claims the leak used in his campaign was put online by Russia, but did not say where the party obtained them.

But Foreign Secretary Raab said today that the government had concluded after “extensive analysis” that there was strong suspicion of a Russian link.

“On the basis of extensive analysis, the government has concluded that it is almost certain that Russian actors sought to interfere with the 2019 general election through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked government documents,” he said in a written statement to parliament.

© – AFP 2020

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    Mute Drew TheChinaman :)
    Favourite Drew TheChinaman :)
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    Aug 31st 2015, 6:07 AM

    I think #TheDonald(really!?!?) is as batshit crazy as they come…

    But quote from estranged wife going through bitter, high profile divorce of billionaire husband in an interview for glossy magazine/tabloid. Is hardly something I’d consider as a credible source….

    296
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    Mute Martin Byrne
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    Aug 31st 2015, 6:12 AM

    Drew — The scary part is he’s not crazy at all.

    119
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    Mute Jason Culligan
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:29 AM

    Even if he did, I don’t see the problem. Hitler’s policies were insane but he was an incredible orator. People have been studying him for public speaking and propaganda techniques for decades.

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    Mute John Clarke
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    Aug 31st 2015, 11:02 AM

    At least it’s not a copy of the speeches and statements of Charles J. Haughey. He could pick up this copy for a mere €250… http://touch.adverts.ie/other-antiques-collectables/charles-haughey-autographed-book-of-collected-speeches/8546106

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    Mute David McShite
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    Aug 31st 2015, 8:06 AM

    To suggest that we should not study or analyse Hitler because of the evil he perpetuated is ironically almost fascist censorship. It is conversely why he must be studied and understood. Hitler seemed able to tap into the mass psychology of the German people and steer it in a direction of his choosing. No one can ignore the horrific events he was responsible for but he is probably the most infamous name the world will ever see and a fascinating character.

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    Mute Veronika Hladová
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    Aug 31st 2015, 1:31 PM

    Coming from an Ex, I’m not surprised she says he’s a nazi, my ex’s would all say the same about me

    16
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    Mute Ciarán Furey
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:16 AM

    His supporters will be more upset that he’s an actual book reader.

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    Mute Dermot Lane
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    Aug 31st 2015, 8:08 AM

    Maybe he just looked at the pictures

    66
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    Mute Bigus Diccus
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:49 AM

    “If, I had these speeches, and I am not saying that I do, I would never read them.”

    Well he’s getting the hang of denying like a real politician at least.

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    Mute Robbie Kelly
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    Aug 31st 2015, 6:58 AM

    Nothing like a US election to air the dirty laundry!

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    Mute David Healion
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    Aug 31st 2015, 8:29 AM

    in fairness. I’m no Nazi but u do have books with some of hitters speeches in them. This story is just inflammatory nonsense. also I hope trump crashes and burns in the election.

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    Mute Feargal Garvin
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:22 AM

    I saw the headline and thought this was Waterford Whispers.

    44
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    Mute Vincent O Mahony
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    Aug 31st 2015, 8:41 AM

    Trump read something written by Hitler..

    This can only mean that..

    TRUMP IS REALLY HITLER IN DISGUISE!!

    SHOCKING!!!!!!

    41
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    Mute Sticky Micky
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:08 AM

    The world is fooked anyway….. GO TRUMP!!!

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    Mute keith cahill
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:25 AM

    i think its interesting that at the same time trump is trying to become president i saw a stat that half the worlds money is owned by 80 people!!! is trump one of the 80??

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    Mute Grigori Rasputin
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:37 AM

    The statistic is that the richest 80 people in the world are as rich as the poorest 50% – not that the top 80 own 50% of the world’s money.

    And anyway, Trump’s not one of the 80.

    http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/meet-the-80-people-who-are-as-rich-as-half-the-world/

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    Mute Gems Awyer
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:30 AM

    Heil hydra! – John Garrett, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

    29
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    Mute OneTrueVoice
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:39 AM

    Mein Komb-uber

    25
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    Mute Diarmuid Doran
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    Aug 31st 2015, 8:01 AM

    The majority of Americans wouldn’t even know who Hitler was. They don’t care and if they vote Trump or Clinton in , they deserve them.

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    Mute Jason Culligan
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    Aug 31st 2015, 10:27 AM

    In fairness, how many Brits do you recon know the name Hirohito? It works both ways.

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    Mute John Ward
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    Aug 31st 2015, 10:52 AM

    @Jason Culligan: They’d probably think he was a new striker for Celtic!

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    Mute Timber Planks
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    Aug 31st 2015, 10:00 AM

    There is no reason whatsoever not to read those books!

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    Mute Jason Culligan
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    Aug 31st 2015, 10:36 AM

    You’d be surprised how irrational people can get on the subject of Hitler, especially when any sort of praise may factor into it. In America it would be a difficult proposition to state publicly that Hitler was a great orator and propagandist as people will genuinely take that as support for Hitler as a whole.

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    Mute Steven Woodroffe
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    Aug 31st 2015, 7:54 AM

    Could explain why he couldn’t give his favourite bible quote

    9
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    Mute niall mullins
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    Aug 31st 2015, 9:32 AM

    Probably because he knows that there really isn’t a sky fairy. Won’t go down well in the bible belt but who really cares!?

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    Mute Tap Solny
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    Aug 31st 2015, 9:02 AM

    If I read a story about IRA/SF in the Journal does that make me an IRA/SF supporter?

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    Mute fiachra29
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    Aug 31st 2015, 9:13 AM

    A story about Donald Trump and you still can’t help mentioning Sinn Féin, I don’t like the Shinners myself but you have a complete obsession. Your irritating insistence on mentioning them everywhere even on completely unrelated articles is incredibly annoying and doing far more damage to your cause than good.

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    Mute Tap Solny
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    Aug 31st 2015, 9:25 AM

    The subject of the analogy might not be to your liking but the remark is very relevant. I will not be dictated to by the likes of Fiachra with his new Twitter account.

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    Mute Diarmuid Doran
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    Aug 31st 2015, 9:56 AM

    Yeah Fiachra , how dare you.Your Twitter account must be at least 30 days old before you dictate to Pat Lyons or any of his Jornal multi- accounts. poor Pat.

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    Mute fiachra29
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    Aug 31st 2015, 9:58 AM

    My Twitter account is actually about a year old at this stage.

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    Mute Jason Culligan
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    Aug 31st 2015, 10:26 AM

    Pat, isn’t this your third account after previously being banned on other accounts?

    It’s rhetorical by the way, we all know the answer.

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Aug 31st 2015, 5:04 PM

    One way to understand how your enemy thinks?

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