Canada expresses concern over pattern of malicious cyber activity by Russian Military Intelligence

October 19, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada and the Communications Security Establishment today issued the following statement:

“Canada is concerned over reports of a series of global malicious cyber activities, as detailed in today’s statements by the United States and the United Kingdom.

“These statements clearly demonstrate a pattern of disruptive activities and a continued disregard for the rules-based international order and international law. These activities are examples of the willingness of Russian military intelligence, GRU, to target critical infrastructure and international organizations.

“Canada has repeatedly exposed Russia’s responsibility in malicious cyber activity. This includes the GRU’s interference with Georgia’s 2020 parliamentary elections, the NotPetya cyber outbreaks in 2017 that caused massive damage to government and business networks, primarily in Ukraine.

“Canada is committed to advancing a peaceful and stable cyberspace, built on the applicability and respect of international law.

“We will continue to work with our international partners to develop measures aimed at preventing, deterring, discouraging and countering malicious cyber acts, and to maintain the open, reliable, and secure use of cyberspace.”