The British Government 'badly underestimated' Russian Political Interference

The responsibility for defending the UK’s democratic processes from Russian disinformation campaigns has been passed around like a “hot potato”, according to the British Parliamentary  Intelligence and Security Committee’s (ISC) ‘Russia Report’. The report has concluded that the UK government "badly underestimated" the Russian threat and the response it required. 

The delayed publication of the ISC Report on 21st July finds that British intelligence agencies, along with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), did not see themselves as “holding primary responsibility for the active defence of the UK’s democratic processes from hostile foreign interference”.

The Report into Russian activity in the UK said the government was "playing catch-up" and needed to take "immediate action". The Report says “It appears that Russia considers the UK one of its top Western intelligence targets” …  that the UK “sits just behind the US and NATO in any priority list. This is likely to be related to the UK’s close relationship with the US…”

The Report says that social media companies "hold the key and yet are failing to play their part", adding that the government should "name and shame those which fail to act."

The Report also claims the government made no effort to investigate Russian interference in the EU referendum. While it does not contain conclusive proof of Russian interference in UK politics, this is because the UK’s intelligence services have not, as far as the ISC can tell, ever properly investigated the matter.

Its most damning finding is the distinction it draws between US intelligence services, who two months after the election of Donald Trump had produced and published a comprehensive report into attempts by Kremlin news sites, bots and hackers to influence the outcome.

The ISC's inquiry covers a number of topics, including disinformation campaigns, cyber tactics and Russian expatriates in the UK.  Much of the "highly sensitive" detail was not published due to fears Russia could use the evidence to threaten the UK.

The committee said Russian influence in the UK was now "the new normal", and the UK was a "top Western intelligence target" for the state, only behind the United Nations and US. 

ISC member, Scottish Nationalist Party MP Stewart Hosie, told reporters the government "took its eye off the ball, because of its focus on counterterrorism", adding: "The government had badly underestimated the response required to the Russian threat, and is still playing catch up."

In its report, the group said UK was "clearly a target" for disinformation campaigns around its elections, but that the issue was described as a "hot potato", with no one organisation taking a lead to tackle it. 

The report criticised intelligence agencies for not taking action during the EU referendum, despite there being "credible open source commentary" suggesting "influence campaigns" from the Russians during the Scottish independence referendum in 2014.

Further, the report say the UK government only "belatedly realised the level of threat which Russia could pose" after the so-called "hack and leak" operation against the Democrats in the 2016 US election, calling it a "game changer". 

Unexpectedly, the report concludes the problem was the government and the British national spy  spy agencies failure to even look at this question, with the government holding ultimate responsibility.

The report raises several serious questions about the failure of the UK to confront the spread of Russian money and influence over a long period and publication has been met with urgent calls for new legislation to deal with the challenge.

Intelligence & Security Committee:       BBC:        Independent:       CNN:       Verdict

You Might Also Read:

Britain Plots Cyber Revenge On Russia For Novichok Poisonings:

 

« Malware Found In Chinese Banking Software
Use Machine Learning To Predict What Is Most Likely To Be Exploited. »

ManageEngine
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Check Point

Directory of Suppliers

BackupVault

BackupVault

BackupVault is a leading provider of automatic cloud backup and critical data protection against ransomware, insider attacks and hackers for businesses and organisations worldwide.

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

ManageEngine

ManageEngine

As the IT management division of Zoho Corporation, ManageEngine prioritizes flexible solutions that work for all businesses, regardless of size or budget.

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.

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO is the market leader in HPE Non-Stop Security, Risk Management and Compliance.

Voyager Networks

Voyager Networks

Voyager Networks is an IT solutions business with a focus on Enterprise Networks, Security and Collaborative Communications.

Egerie

Egerie

EGERIE's RiskManager solution provides a Global, Centralized, and Updated view of risk maps and security measures for your company.

KE-CIRT/CC

KE-CIRT/CC

KE-CIRT/CC is the national Computer Incident Response Team for Kenya.

Alan Boswell Group

Alan Boswell Group

We are a Group of Companies providing specialist Insurance Broking and Risk Management advice and services including Cyber Risk cover.

CalCom

CalCom

CalCom Hardening Solution (CHS) for Microsoft OMS is a security baseline-hardening solution designed to address the needs of IT operations and security teams.

Neoteric Networks

Neoteric Networks

We deliver a no nonsense procedure to implementing technology. The technology selection process ensures that all customers enjoy an engineered methodology implementing technology.

National Cyber Security Authority (NCA) - Saudi Arabia

National Cyber Security Authority (NCA) - Saudi Arabia

The NCA is the government entity in charge of cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia and serves as the national authority on its affairs.

Incopro

Incopro

Incopro is an online IP and brand protection software provider that arms brand owners with actionable intelligence to combat online and offline intellectual property and copyright infringements.

Scythe

Scythe

SCYTHE is a next generation red team platform for continuous and realistic enterprise risk assessments.

Cipher

Cipher

Founded in 2000, Cipher is a global cybersecurity company that delivers a wide range of Managed Security Services.

Anthony Timbers LLC

Anthony Timbers LLC

Anthony Timbers is a cybersecurity consulting and penetration testing firm providing services to the Federal and Commercial sectors nationwide.

Mosaic Insurance

Mosaic Insurance

Mosaic is a next-generation global specialty insurer distinguished by an exceptional team, agile technology, and a structure that combines Lloyd’s of London strength with a global distribution network

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown is a global law firm. We have deep experience in high-stakes litigation and complex transactions across industry sectors including the global financial services industry.

Chugach Government Solutions (CGS)

Chugach Government Solutions (CGS)

CGS performs work for the Federal Government across 4 unique core lines of business, including: Facilities Management and Maintenance, Construction, Technical IT and Cyber Services, and Educational Se

Bleach Cyber

Bleach Cyber

Bleach Cyber helps small businesses with an affordable and user-friendly solution for managing cloud security.

Irys Technologies

Irys Technologies

Irys Technologies specialize in pioneering digital transformation solutions designed to streamline communications and enhance maintenance and operational efficiency for a variety of sectors.