Glider
Captain
From my understanding Russia has been doing as much as they can to use cyber warfare against the main countries involved in or supporting Ukraine. Including the front line Nato countries such as Poland and the UK with little success. There are a number of reasons for this including the ability of the different countries to learn from each others experiences. It should be noted that some of the smaller Nato countries such as Estonia have been under pretty constant pressure for some years and have been very effective in dealing with such attacks as has Ukraine.
I know that the UK have considerable experience in dealing with such attacks, and no doubt others have as well. The efforts of most western countries has been in dealing with the attacks and learning what they can. Whilst they have not tended to counter attack, if you have a good understanding of your opponents strengths and weaknesses, then you are in a good position to strike back if needed.
It is true that Russia poses a serious threat, but the resources, skills and technical knowledge of the western countries and other allies across the world dwarf those of Russia, and Russia knows it. Russia also knows that large parts of its infrastructure are very old and vulnerable. The threat should and is taken seriously, but equally it shouldn't be exaggerated.
If you recall the shooting down of the airliner by the S300 missile. Using the resources of a number of Nato countries including Germany the West was able to build a very complete picture of what actually happened
My favourite story in this area. The USA were having difficulty with a Russian cyber attack and asked the British if they could help. We gave them the ability to use the security camera's of the building from which the cyber ransomware attack was being run from. The USA literally could see the people in real time (and is rumoured hear them) while they were attacking the USA.
I recognise that stories have a habit of growing in their size but it is true that at the time Russia was claiming that the cyberwar attacks wasn't them. Saying that it was other people from other countries, that they were criminals who attacked anybody. Biden contacted Russia, told them firmly that it had to stop or there would be consequences and it pretty much stopped overnight. Call it a coincidence if you wish but my suspicion is that there is more than a grain of truth in it.
