Ukraine hit by cyberattack, tensions with Russia heighten

Moscow, Jan 14 (EFE).- Ukraine claimed on Friday Russia was behind the massive cyberattack that hit the country in the early hours of Friday when government websites were splashed with warning signs to “be afraid and expect the worst.”

“Ukrainian! All your personal data has been posted on the network. All data on your computer is destroyed and impossible to recover. All your information is public. Fear and expect the worst. This is for your past, present and future,” the messages said.

The attack affected some 70 government bodies including the foreign ministry, cabinet of ministers, and security and defence council.

According to the Ukrainian Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security, the “Russian footprint” attack aims to isolate Ukraine by reducing the number of its allies in the international arena.

However, the center said it lacked hard evidence Russia was behind the attack and would not make a public accusation before a “comprehensive investigation” was completed.

The cyberattack unfolded hours after talks this week between Russia and Western allies ended with no breakthrough.

Russia on Friday said it would not wait “forever” to hear back from the United States and Nato with regards to its list of security proposals to de-escalate the brewing tensions around Ukraine, which would include a halt on the Atlantic Alliance’s eastward expansion.

Washington and Kiev claim Russia has amassed 100,000 soldiers along the Ukrainian border, raising fears of a possible armed conflict or full-on invasion.

Russia has denied it is planning an attack on Ukraine. EFE

int-mp/ka