UK sends cyber force to help allies as disruption spreads across Europe

The UK has deployed specialist troops to combat cyber attacks across Europe and Asia, according to Maj Gen Mike Fayers, commander of the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force. This "hunt force" of specially trained British soldiers, sailors and aviators is being deployed to disrupt hacking plots in their early stages. Recent concerns have arisen over two high-profile meetings scheduled for Dublin this week, which may face cyber threats following a series of bomb hoaxes in the area.

Authorities consider the risk of an attack or security incident to be substantial. The prime minister's spokesman emphasized that the issue of cyber threats is taken "extremely seriously" and various operational methods are being employed by UK agencies to counter this threat. Maj Gen Fayers highlighted the sensitive nature of the missions, which require approval from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting.

The force's role involves "hunting" adversaries in locations where they prepare to target UK military systems. Cyber attacks have already impacted supermarkets, electricity substations in Germany, airports and defense-related sites in the Baltic region. Simultaneously, a hoax email campaign disrupted air travel across Europe, with its origin claimed by "Mikhail Andropov".

Irish authorities are investigating the campaign, which prompted Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin to announce that the country's Cyber Security Centre will be part of the security operation for the upcoming European Political Community summit in Dublin. Over 50 heads of state and international organization leaders are expected to attend the two-day summit, which is described as the largest security operation in Ireland's history.

Martin suggested that the increase in hybrid attacks, particularly those linked to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, has significantly escalated. The hoax emails, sent under the pseudonym "Mikhail Andropov", threatened widespread chaos, including attacks on airplanes, cruise ships, subway stations and trains.