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Cyber Security Cybersecurity Coalition NATO trending news

NATO Concludes Cyber Coalition Exercise in Estonia, Preparing for Future Digital Threats

 

NATO has wrapped up its annual Cyber Coalition exercise in Estonia after a week of intensive drills focused on protecting networks and critical infrastructure from advanced cyberattacks. 

More than 1,300 cyber defenders joined the 2025 exercise. Participants represented 29 NATO countries, 7 partner nations, as well as Austria, Georgia, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, the European Union, industry experts, and universities. 

The goal of the training was to strengthen cooperation and improve the ability to detect, deter, and respond to cyber threats that could affect military and civilian systems. 

Commander Brian Caplan, the Exercise Director, said that Cyber Coalition brings countries together to learn how they would operate during a cyber crisis. He highlighted that cyber threats do not stay within borders and that sharing information is key to improving global defence. 

This year’s exercise presented seven complex scenarios that mirrored real-world challenges. They included attacks on critical national infrastructure, cyber disruptions linked to space systems, and a scenario called “Ghost in the Backup,” which involved hidden malware inside sensitive data repositories. 

Multiple simulated threat actors carried out coordinated digital operations against a NATO mission. The drills required participants to communicate continuously, share intelligence, and use systems such as the Virtual Cyber Incident Support Capability. 

The exercise also tested the ability of teams to make difficult decisions. Participants had to identify early warning signs like delayed satellite data, irregular energy distribution logs, and unexpected power grid alerts. They were also challenged to decide when to escalate issues to civilian authorities or NATO headquarters and how to follow international law when sharing military intelligence with law enforcement. 

A British officer taking part in the event said cyber warfare is no longer limited to watching computers. Participants must also track information shared by media and social networks, including sources that may be run by hostile groups.

Over the years, Cyber Coalition has evolved based on new technologies, new policies, and new threats. According to Commander Caplan, the exercise helps NATO and its partners adjust together before a real crisis takes place. 

Cyber defence is now a major pillar in NATO’s training efforts. Leaders say large-scale drills like Cyber Coalition are necessary as cyber threats continue to grow in both sophistication and frequency.
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NATO security threats
Cyber Security Data Privacy Direct Secure Messaging European Cyber Security Matrix NATO NATO security threats

European Governments Turn to Matrix for Secure Sovereign Messaging Amid US Big Tech Concerns

 

A growing number of European governments are turning to Matrix, an open-source messaging architecture, as they seek greater technological sovereignty and independence from US Big Tech companies. Matrix aims to create an open communication standard that allows users to message each other regardless of the platform they use—similar to how email works across different providers. The decentralized protocol supports secure messaging, voice, and video communications while ensuring data control remains within sovereign boundaries. 

Matrix, co-founded by Matthew Hodgson in 2014 as a not-for-profit open-source initiative, has seen wide-scale adoption across Europe. The French government and the German armed forces now have hundreds of thousands of employees using Matrix-based platforms like Tchap and BwMessenger. Swiss Post has also built its own encrypted messaging system for public use, while similar deployments are underway across Sweden, the Netherlands, and the European Commission. NATO has even adopted Matrix to test secure communication alternatives under its NICE2 project. 

Hodgson, who also serves as CEO of Element—a company providing Matrix-based encrypted services to governments and organizations such as France and NATO—explained that interest in Matrix has intensified following global geopolitical developments. He said European governments now view open-source software as a strategic necessity, especially after the US imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in early 2025. 

The sanctions, which impacted US tech firms supporting the ICC, prompted several European institutions to reconsider their reliance on American cloud and communication services. “We have seen first-hand that US Big Tech companies are not reliable partners,” Hodgson said. “For any country to be operationally dependent on another is a crazy risk.” He added that incidents such as the “Signalgate” scandal—where a US official accidentally shared classified information on a Signal chat—have further fueled the shift toward secure, government-controlled messaging infrastructure. 

Despite this, Europe’s stance on encryption remains complex. While advocating for sovereign encrypted messaging platforms, some governments are simultaneously supporting proposals like Chat Control, which would require platforms to scan messages before encryption. Hodgson criticized such efforts, warning they could weaken global communication security and force companies like Element to withdraw from regions that mandate surveillance. Matrix’s decentralized design offers resilience and security advantages by eliminating a single point of failure. 

Unlike centralized apps such as Signal or WhatsApp, Matrix operates as a distributed network, reducing the risk of large-scale breaches. Moreover, its interoperability means that various Matrix-based apps can communicate seamlessly—enabling, for example, secure exchanges between French and German government networks. Although early Matrix apps were considered less user-friendly, Hodgson said newer versions now rival mainstream encrypted platforms. Funding challenges have slowed development, as governments using Matrix often channel resources toward system integrators rather than the project itself. 

To address this, Matrix is now sustained by a membership model and potential grant funding. Hodgson’s long-term vision is to establish a fully peer-to-peer global communication network that operates without servers and cannot be compromised or monitored. Supported by the Dutch government, Matrix’s ongoing research into such peer-to-peer technology aims to simplify deployment further while enhancing security. 

As Europe continues to invest in secure digital infrastructure, Matrix’s open standard represents a significant step toward technological independence and privacy preservation. 

By embracing decentralized communication, European governments are asserting control over their data, reducing foreign dependence, and reshaping the future of secure messaging in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.
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Threat Intelligence
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NATO Rift Widens Over Response to Russian Cyber Threats

 

NATO is confronting significant internal divisions on how to handle the intensifying wave of Russian cyberattacks, which expose rifts in alliance strategy and threaten the alliance’s coherence and overall deterrence posture. 

As Russia increasingly targets NATO states’ critical infrastructure, governmental functions, and even military networks, debate has raged within the alliance as to how forcefully to respond, and under what terms, to hostile state-sponsored cyber activities.

Deepening divisions 

A core challenge for NATO is divergent national approaches to what constitutes an act of cyber aggression warranting collective response. Some member states—particularly those along Russia’s borders in the Baltics, as well as Poland—are calling for robust measures, including invoking Article 4 (consultative action in response to threats), and even considering proportional offensive cyber operations against Russian state targets. 

These nations see repeated Russian provocations, from cyber to airspace incursions, as clear tests of alliance resolve that demand a stiff and highly visible response.

However, other countries, such as France and Germany, worry about the risks of escalation and advocate a more cautious, defensive posture, preferring extensive evidence gathering, attribution efforts, and diplomatic engagement before considering retaliatory action. 

They argue frequent consultations or aggressive stances could water down NATO’s deterrent signal or trigger dangerous unintended escalation. This split produces tactical uncertainty and delays, potentially emboldening adversaries and hampering a unified alliance front.

Policy stalemate and its consequences

These diverging approaches are mirrored in ongoing arguments about when and how to use NATO’s cyber capabilities offensively versus limiting the alliance to defensive postures or coordinated resilience initiatives. 

While some strategists press for disruptive cyber operations or overt information warfare campaigns targeting Russia, consensus is lacking due to legal concerns, worries about thresholds for collective defense, and varying levels of national cyber capacity and risk appetite.

Strategic implications

Analysts warn that Russia’s overt cyber and hybrid threats are, in part, designed to exploit and widen these strategic rifts, stymying meaningful joint response and putting both NATO's credibility and European security at risk. Persistent internal divisions leave NATO vulnerable, raising pressure for the alliance to develop a clearer, more decisive policy on cyber deterrence and response.
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Sensitive Information
Data Breach France Military NATO Naval Group Sensitive Information

Hackers Breach French Military Systems, Leak 30GB of Classified Data

 




A hacker group has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack targeting France’s state-owned Naval Group, one of the country’s most important military shipbuilders. The attackers say they have already released 30 gigabytes of information and are threatening to publish more, claiming the stolen files include highly sensitive military details.

Naval Group designs and builds advanced naval vessels, including France’s nuclear-powered Suffren-class submarines and the nation’s only aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle. The company plays a key role in France’s defense capabilities and is a major supplier to NATO allies.

According to the hackers’ statement on a dark web platform, the stolen material includes information on submarines, frigates, and possibly source code for submarine weapon systems. They allege they hold as much as one terabyte of data and have given the company 72 hours to confirm the breach.

Naval Group has rejected the claim that its internal networks were hacked. In a statement, the company said it “immediately launched technical investigations” after the material appeared online and described the incident as a “reputational attack”— suggesting the goal may be to damage the company’s public image rather than disrupt operations. The firm stressed that so far, there is no evidence of unauthorized access to its systems or any impact on its activities.

The leaked 30GB of files, if authentic, could contain sensitive information related to France’s nuclear submarine program, which is central to the country’s national security strategy. Naval Group, which is nearly two-thirds owned by the French government, employs over 15,000 people and generates annual revenues exceeding €4.4 billion.

Cybersecurity experts note that military contractors worldwide have increasingly become targets for cyberattacks, as they store valuable data on defense technology. The case comes shortly after other high-profile breaches, including Microsoft’s confirmation that certain vulnerabilities in its SharePoint servers remained exploitable, and an intrusion at the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration, which oversees America’s nuclear arsenal.

Naval Group says all of its technical and security teams are currently working to confirm the authenticity, origin, and ownership of the published data. Investigations are ongoing, and French authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely.

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United States
Cyber Security Cyber Threats NATO South Korea United States

South Korea’s Rising Influence in Global Cybersecurity

 


South Korea’s Expanding Role in Global Cybersecurity

South Korea is emerging as a pivotal player in the global cybersecurity landscape, particularly against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and China in cyberspace. By participating in high-profile cybersecurity exercises and fostering international collaborations, the country is bolstering its reputation as a key ally in both regional and global cyber defense initiatives.

Recently, South Korea hosted the APEX cyberwarfare exercise, which gathered cybersecurity experts and defense personnel from over 20 nations. This exercise simulated cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, enabling participants to devise defensive strategies and exchange vital insights. South Korea has also actively participated in NATO-led events, such as the Locked Shields exercise, which focuses on testing and enhancing cyber resilience.

In addition, South Korea showcased its commitment to international cybersecurity efforts by attending the Cyber Champions Summit in Sydney. The country is set to host the next iteration of the summit, emphasizing its dedication to fostering global cooperation in addressing cyber threats.

Strategic Alliances and Emerging Trends

South Korea's advanced technological capabilities and strategic location have positioned it as a vital partner for the United States in addressing cyber threats, especially those originating from China. According to analysts, South Korea’s infrastructure serves as a communications hub for critical trans-Pacific submarine cables connecting major networks across Asia, including China. Experts have also suggested that the country may act as a base for US cyber operations, similar to its role in hosting the THAAD missile system in 2017.

China, meanwhile, has been enhancing its cyber capabilities in response to growing alliances among its rivals. In April 2024, China reorganized its People’s Liberation Army to include specialized units dedicated to cyber, information, and space operations. Despite these efforts, experts note that China’s cyber capabilities still lag behind those of the US and its allies.

South Korea’s increasing involvement in cybersecurity underscores its strategic importance in addressing modern cyber challenges. By collaborating with the US, NATO, and other allies, the nation is strengthening its cyber defenses while contributing to a broader security framework in the Indo-Pacific region. These initiatives are poised to shape the global cybersecurity landscape in the coming years.

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Ransomwares
Cyber Attacks Defense Hacker attack Inc ransomware IT Systems IT systems breach Military Data NATO Ransomwares

Hungarian Defence Agency Hacked: Foreign Hackers Breach IT Systems

 

Foreign hackers recently infiltrated the IT systems of Hungary’s Defence Procurement Agency, a government body responsible for managing the country’s military acquisitions. According to Gergely Gulyas, the chief of staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, no sensitive military data related to Hungary’s national security or its military structure was compromised during the breach. Speaking at a press briefing, Gulyas confirmed that while some plans and procurement data may have been accessed, nothing that could significantly harm Hungary’s security was made public. The attackers, described as a “hostile foreign, non-state hacker group,” have not been officially identified by name. 

However, Hungarian news outlet Magyar Hang reported that a group known as INC Ransomware claimed responsibility for the breach. According to the outlet, the group accessed, encrypted, and reportedly published some files online, along with screenshots to demonstrate their access. The Hungarian government has refrained from confirming these details, citing an ongoing investigation to assess the breach’s scope and potential impact fully. Hungary, a NATO member state sharing a border with Ukraine, has been increasing its military investments since 2017 under a modernization and rearmament initiative. 

This program has seen the purchase of tanks, helicopters, air defense systems, and the establishment of a domestic military manufacturing industry. Among the notable projects is the production of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles by Germany’s Rheinmetall in Zalaegerszeg, a region in western Hungary. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s 2022 invasion, has further driven Hungary to increase its defense spending. The government recently announced plans to allocate at least 2% of its GDP to military expenditures in 2024. Gulyas assured reporters that Hungary’s most critical military data remains secure. 

The Defence Procurement Agency itself does not handle sensitive information related to military operations or structural details, limiting the potential impact of the breach. The investigation aims to clarify whether the compromised files include any material that could pose broader risks to the nation’s defense strategy. The breach raises concerns about the cybersecurity measures protecting Hungary’s defense systems, particularly given the escalating reliance on advanced technology in modern military infrastructure. With ransomware attacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, governments and agencies globally are facing heightened pressure to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. 

Hungary’s response to this incident will likely involve a combination of intensified cybersecurity protocols and ongoing collaboration with NATO allies to mitigate similar threats in the future. As the investigation continues, the government is expected to release further updates about the breach’s scope and any additional preventive measures being implemented.
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Ransomware
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NoName Ransomware Group Allegedly Targets Denmark and Finland Over NATO Support


 

The ransomware group NoName has reportedly launched cyberattacks against key institutions in Denmark and Finland, citing their support for NATO as the provocation. The alleged attacks targeted Denmark’s digital identification system MitID, the Finland Chamber of Commerce, and Finland’s largest financial services provider, OP Financial Group.

On a dark web forum, NoName announced these attacks, positioning them as a reaction to Denmark and Finland's recent military and infrastructural actions favouring NATO. The group specifically called out Denmark for training Ukrainian specialists in F-16 fighter jet maintenance:

"Denmark has trained the first 50 Ukrainian specialists in servicing F-16 fighter jets. Most of the specialists have already returned to Ukraine to prepare for the reception of F-16s at local air bases. The training of the first group of Ukrainian pilots continues in Denmark.”

They also criticised Finland for infrastructure upgrades intended to support NATO troops:

“Finland has begun repairing roads and bridges in Lapland to prepare for the deployment of NATO troops on its territory. ERR.EE reports on its change of stance on NATO forces and planned infrastructure work.”

NoName concluded their message with a warning, suggesting that Denmark and Finland's governments had not learned from past mistakes and threatened further actions.

Potential Impact on Targeted Entities

MitID: Denmark's MitID is a crucial component of the country's digital infrastructure, enabling secure access to various public and private services. An attack on this system could disrupt numerous services and damage public trust in digital security.

Finland Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber plays a vital role in supporting Finnish businesses, promoting economic growth, and facilitating international trade. A cyberattack could destabilise economic activities and harm business confidence.

OP Financial Group: As the largest financial services group in Finland, OP Financial Group provides a range of services from banking to insurance. A successful cyberattack could affect millions of customers, disrupt financial transactions, and cause significant economic damage.

Despite the claims, the official websites of MitID, the Finland Chamber of Commerce, and OP Financial Group showed no immediate signs of being compromised. The Cyber Express Team has reached out to these institutions for confirmation but has not received any official responses as of the time of writing, leaving the allegations unconfirmed.

The timing of these alleged cyberattacks aligns with recent military and infrastructural developments in Denmark and Finland. Denmark's initiative to train Ukrainian specialists in F-16 maintenance is a significant support measure for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. Similarly, Finland's infrastructure enhancements in Lapland for NATO troops reflect its strategic alignment with NATO standards following its membership.

The NoName ransomware group's alleged cyberattacks on Danish and Finnish institutions highlight the increasing use of cyber warfare for political and military leverage. These attacks aim to disrupt critical infrastructure and send a strong message of deterrence and retaliation. The situation remains under close scrutiny, with further updates expected as more information or official responses become available.


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Russia cyber threats
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Polish State Media Targeted in Alleged Russian-Backed Cyberattack

 

In a concerning development on May 31, the Polish Press Agency (PAP), a state-run media outlet, was targeted in a cyberattack that authorities have attributed to Russian-backed operatives. This incident adds to a growing list of cyber aggression linked to Russian intelligence services, which have previously been accused of targeting Ukraine and various Western nations. 

The European Union (EU) and NATO recently condemned Russia's "malicious cyber campaign" against Germany and Czechia earlier in May, highlighting the persistent threat posed by such activities. On the morning of the attack, PAP's website displayed false messages claiming that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had ordered a "partial mobilization" to begin on July 1. The swift identification of this disinformation was crucial. Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski promptly declared the message as "false" and confirmed that an investigation was underway. 

He noted, "Everything points to a cyberattack and planned disinformation!" This immediate response was vital in preventing the spread of the false information. Jacek Dobrzynski, spokesperson for the Polish security service, also indicated that the attack was a "probable Russian cyberattack." Gawkowski elaborated on the intent behind the cyber operation, suggesting that it aimed to spread "disinformation before the upcoming EU parliamentary elections" and to "paralyze society." 

The false message was detected within two minutes, and Gawkowski commended the media for accurately labeling it as disinformation, thus preventing further dissemination. Gawkowski's remarks reflect a broader sentiment of heightened vigilance in Poland and across the EU regarding cyber threats. He emphasized that Poland is in a "cold war" with Russia, a stance that underscores the pervasive impact of Russian cyber activities on EU countries. 

This sentiment has been echoed by other European leaders who have called for stronger cyber defenses and increased international cooperation to counter such threats. The incident underscores the ongoing cyber conflict between Russia and Western nations, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The EU and NATO's condemnation of Russia's cyber activities against Germany and Czechia earlier in May further illustrates the widespread nature of these threats. Poland's response to the cyberattack on PAP demonstrates the importance of rapid identification and response to disinformation campaigns. 

Gawkowski assured that Prime Minister Tusk was informed of the incident immediately, showcasing the high level of alertness among Polish authorities. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the international community must remain vigilant and proactive in defending against such attacks. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding national security and public trust.
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