Politics

Kremlin denies cyber ??attacks on scientists seeking Covid vaccine

Moscow, Jul 16 (efe-epa).- The Kremlin on Thursday denied trying to hack scientists working on a Covid-19 vaccine after accusations by international intelligence services.

The United Kingdom, United States and Canada said the group APT29 which “almost certainly” operates as part of Russian intelligence services had targeted researchers in the three countries.

The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre said APT29, also called the Dukes or Cozy Bear “almost certainly operate as part of Russian intelligence services”.

“APT29’s campaign of malicious activity is ongoing, predominantly against government, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets to steal valuable intellectual property,” it added in a joint statement with its counterparts in Canada and the US.

UK foreign minister Dominic Raab said: “It is completely unacceptable that the Russian intelligence services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

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

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

Russia has rejected the allegations as well as another recent accusation that it tried to interfere in elections in the UK last year.

“We have no information on who could have hacked pharmaceutical companies and research centers in Britain,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the TASS news agency.

“We can only say this: Russia has nothing to do with these attempts. We do not accept such accusations.”

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