Cyber warfare has rapidly become a critical aspect of modern military conflicts. The interconnectedness of the digital landscape has made it possible for adversaries to target not only computer systems, but also the physical infrastructure and personnel that rely on them.
This article will explore the real-life consequences of cyber warfare in warzones and other high-risk environments, using the example of the Fancy Bear group’s tracking of Ukrainian artillery units.
Fancy Bear and Ukrainian Artillery
Fancy Bear, also known as APT28, is a state-sponsored Russian cyber espionage group that has been active since at least 2008 (Mandiant, 2021). The group is known for targeting governmental organisations, military units, and critical infrastructure providers in various countries, including Ukraine.
In 2016, researchers from the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike revealed that Fancy Bear had compromised a Ukrainian artillery application, used for targeting and fire control (Alperovitch, 2016).
The malware, dubbed X-Agent, was used to track the location of Ukrainian artillery units, as well as exfiltrate sensitive communications and telemetry data.
This provided the Russian-backed separatist forces in Eastern Ukraine with real-time information on the movement and positioning of Ukrainian artillery units, which likely resulted in increased casualties and loss of equipment.
Real-Life Consequences of Cyber Warfare in Warzones
The Fancy Bear example highlights several real-life consequences of cyber warfare in high-risk environments:
- Increased Casualties: The tracking of Ukrainian artillery units likely led to more accurate targeting by Russian-backed forces, increasing the number of casualties among Ukrainian military personnel. Additionally, the loss of operational security can put soldiers at greater risk of ambushes and other targeted attacks
- Loss of Equipment: The compromise of the Ukrainian artillery application enabled adversaries to more effectively target and destroy valuable military equipment. This not only reduces a military’s fighting capabilities, but also imposes significant financial costs to replace the lost assets.
- Undermining Trust in Technology: The successful infiltration of the Ukrainian artillery application eroded trust in the security of military technology. This can lead to reduced confidence in the use of similar applications, potentially compromising operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Escalation of Conflict: Cyber warfare incidents like the Fancy Bear attack can contribute to the escalation of conflicts, as they encourage retaliatory cyber attacks and increase tensions between adversaries.
Mitigating Cyber Warfare Risks in High-Risk Environments
In order to reduce the real-life consequences of cyber warfare in warzones and high-risk environments, the following strategies should be considered:
- Implement Robust Cybersecurity Measures: Military organisations must prioritise the security of their digital infrastructure, including the use of strong encryption, multi-factor authentication, and network segmentation to protect sensitive systems and data.
- Conduct Regular Security Assessments: Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help to identify potential weaknesses in systems and applications, enabling organisations to address them before they can be exploited by adversaries.
- Develop Cyber Threat Intelligence Capabilities: Understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures of potential adversaries can help military organisations to anticipate and defend against cyber threats.
- Foster International Cooperation: Collaborating with allies and international partners can help to share knowledge and resources, improving the overall cybersecurity posture of military organisations in high-risk environments.
Conclusion
The Fancy Bear attack on Ukrainian artillery units demonstrates the real-life consequences of cyber warfare in warzones and high-risk environments.
By understanding these consequences and implementing strategies to mitigate risks, military organisations can better protect their personnel, equipment, and operational capabilities from the growing threat of cyber warfare.
This article has been brought to you in partnership with Proelium Law and Sybilline.
If you are interested in legal and technical advice in the cybersphere please contact Proelium Law for a consultation. Proelium Law LLP combines its legal and investigative experience to provide clients with an extensive suite of capabilities in the world of cyber and digital law. If you would like to understand your cyber risk, you can find out more about Sibylline and contact Dan Miles here.
