UK blames Russia for cyberattack that took down TNT, Maersk

The UK government has publicly blamed Russian military for the NotPetya cyberattack that took down the IT systems of companies including TNT (a subsidiary of FedEx) and Maersk.

According to Britain’s foreign ministry, Russia’s primary target was Ukraine, including its financial, energy and government sectors, but it then spread throughout Europe.

“The attack masqueraded as a criminal enterprise but its purpose was principally to disrupt,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“The decision to publicly attribute this incident underlines the fact that the UK and its allies will not tolerate malicious cyber activity.”

In November, Russia was also accused by the UK government of election meddling and planting fake news.

Russia denies the allegations, accusing Western nations of a campaign of Russophobia.

(Source: Reuters)