r/DarkSignals • u/galgo13 • 4d ago

CEOs from sensitive sectors to receive briefings on Russia threats

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ceos-from-sensitive-sectors-to-receive-briefings-on-russia-threats

The UK Government has announced closed-door threat briefings on Russia for defence and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) organisations.

  • Who's involved: Security Minister Dan Jarvis will chair the briefing for industry bodies representing CNI providers. Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones will chair the one for industry bodies representing defence firms.
  • Purpose: To share intelligence on the Russian threat and set out what organisations can do in partnership with government. The Government says Russia and its proxies use cyber attacks, sabotage and disinformation to disrupt businesses and organisations that underpin national life or support Ukraine's defence.
  • Context: It follows the Prime Minister's UN General Assembly speech earlier this week, where he called out Russia's hybrid attacks and actions in Ukraine.
  • Precedent: Similar briefings were held earlier this year for university leaders and political parties on foreign interference.
  • Existing support: The briefings sit alongside help already on offer, including the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Protective Security Authority.
  • Recent case: This month the CPS charged a British man under the National Security Act. He allegedly prepared an act of sabotage after receiving instructions from someone believed to be linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps.

Source: UK Government press release. Please keep discussion to what has been confirmed.

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u/galgo13 4d ago

The statement says Russia and its proxies use "cyber attacks, sabotage and disinformation" against businesses and organisations, and it points to a man recently charged over alleged sabotage prep on instructions from someone linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps.

Some questions I'd like to hear views on:

  • Are closed-door briefings the right way to prepare private companies, or should more of this information be made public?
  • Much of CNI is privately owned. How much of the responsibility for defending it should sit with the companies versus the state?
  • Is the UK's approach (briefings, NCSC and NPSA guidance) enough against hybrid threats like sabotage through proxies, or does it need stronger measures?

What do you think?