German Spy Chief Fears Russian Interference In 2017 Elections

Germany is alarmed that Russia may seek to interfere in its national elections next year, the domestic intelligence chief said, echoing concerns raised in the United States before Donald Trump's presidential election victory.

German officials have accused Moscow of trying to manipulate German media to fan popular angst over issues like the migrant crisis, weaken voter trust in moderate mainstream government under Chancellor Angela Merkel and breed divisions within the European Union so that it drops sanctions against Moscow.

Intelligence officials have also pointed to Russian support for euro-sceptic, anti-immigrant parties in Germany and across the EU. Last week, Merkel said she could not rule out Russia interfering in Germany's 2017 election through Internet attacks and misinformation campaigns.

Hans-Georg Maassen, head of the domestic BfV intelligence agency, cited the high-profile case last year of a German-Russian girl who Russian media said was kidnapped and raped by migrants in Berlin, a claim later refuted by German authorities.

"This could happen again next year and we are alarmed," Maassen told Reuters in an interview late on Tuesday. "We have the impression that this is part of a hybrid threat that seeks to influence public opinion and decision-making processes."

He said it was important to publicly expose such campaigns. "When people realize that the information that they are getting is not true..., then the toxic lies lose their effectiveness."

There was no immediate response from the Kremlin to a written request for comment on Maassen's remarks.

France's intelligence service has also warned of possible Russian intervention in its spring 2017 election campaign. Russian officials have denied all accusations of manipulation and interference intended to weaken the EU.

US intelligence officials warned in the run-up to the Nov. 8 presidential election of efforts to undermine the credibility of the vote that they believed were backed by the Russian government. Kremlin officials denied any such effort.

German and other European security officials have accused Russian media in the past of launching what they call an "information war" against Germany, the EU's pre-eminent political and economic power.

Merkel's government has maintained dialogue with Moscow but tensions have mounted over Russian actions in Ukraine and Syria, and over its alleged attempts to sway German media.

Earlier this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov irked his German counterpart by raising the case of the German-Russian girl and accused Berlin of "sweeping problems under the rug". The Berlin public prosecutor's office said a medical examination determined that the girl had not been raped.

The case underscored the mutual suspicion that officials from both countries say extends to the highest levels of government, fueled by opposing visions for Europe and the Middle East. Those differences have led to clashes at diplomatic negotiating tables, in cyberspace and in the media.

Reuters:            US Intelligence Has The Evidence That Proves Russian Presidential Election Interference:

 

« US Army Command Learning Cyberwar From Social Media
The Internet of Things Must Not Be Allowed To Turn Into The Internet of Trouble »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

ZenGRC

ZenGRC

ZenGRC - the first, easy-to-use, enterprise-grade information security solution for compliance and risk management - offers businesses efficient control tracking, testing, and enforcement.

Syxsense

Syxsense

Syxsense brings together endpoint management and security for greater efficiency and collaboration between IT management and security teams.

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

The PC Support Group

The PC Support Group

A partnership with The PC Support Group delivers improved productivity, reduced costs and protects your business through exceptional IT, telecoms and cybersecurity services.

Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA)

Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA)

HSARPA's Cyber Security Division (CSD) was set up to address DHS cyber operational and critical infrastructure protection requirements.

Proofpoint

Proofpoint

Proofpoint provide the most effective cybersecurity and compliance solutions to protect people on every channel including email, the web, the cloud, social media and mobile messaging.

Black Duck Software

Black Duck Software

Black Duck Hub allows organizations to manage open source code security as well as license compliance risks.

ID Agent

ID Agent

ID Agent provides a comprehensive set of threat intelligence and identity monitoring solutions.

Rublon

Rublon

Rublon protects endpoints, networks and applications by providing trusted access via two-factor authentication (2FA).

Zeusmark

Zeusmark

Zeusmark are a digital brand security company. We enable companies to successfully defend their brands, revenue and consumers online.

HackHunter

HackHunter

HackHunter’s passive sensor network continuously monitors, detects and alerts when a malicious WiFi network and/or hacking behaviour is identified.

Hyperion Gray

Hyperion Gray

Hyperion Gray are a small research and development team focused on innovative work in a variety of areas including Software & Security Research, Penetration Testing, Incident Response, and Red Teaming

TwoThreeFour

TwoThreeFour

ThreeTwoFour provide tailored cyber security solutions, delivered by highly-skilled, experienced consultants who respond to the real needs of you and your business.

OptimEyes.ai

OptimEyes.ai

OptimEyes.ai is a unique AI-powered, on-demand SaaS solution for cyber-security, data privacy and compliance risk modeling.

TPx Communications

TPx Communications

TPx is a leading managed services provider offering a full suite of managed IT, unified communications, network connectivity and security services.

Association of Azerbaijani Cyber Security Organizations (AKTA)

Association of Azerbaijani Cyber Security Organizations (AKTA)

The Association of Azerbaijani Cyber Security Organizations (AKTA) is a non-commercial organization aimed at strengthening the country's cybersecurity system.

Paragon Cyber Solutions

Paragon Cyber Solutions

Paragon Cyber Solutions provides specialized security risk management and IT solutions to protect the integrity of your business operations.

Neosoft

Neosoft

Néosoft is an independent digital transformation consulting group with expertise in Consulting & Agility, Cybersecurity, Data, DevOps, Infrastructure & Cloud and Software Engineering.

SoConnect

SoConnect

SoConnect provides safe, secured, and taken care of IT, with infrastructure built around you and your business.

Camms

Camms

Camms are a team of experienced professionals dedicated to providing innovative GRC software solutions that help organizations manage risk, make informed decisions, and drive positive change.