Poland’s security agency said on Friday that the country has been a “constant target” of pro-Russian hackers since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The cyberattacks on Poland’s government services, private companies, media organizations and ordinary citizens have intensified over the past year, it said. The country’s strategic, energy, and military enterprises are particularly at risk, it added.
Polish cybersecurity officials said these cyberattacks are Russia’s response to Warsaw’s support for Ukraine and an attempt to destabilize the situation in the country. “Through hostile operations in cyberspace, Russia wants to exert pressure on Poland, as a frontline country and a key Ukraine’s ally on the NATO eastern flank,” the agency said.
Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February, Poland has provided Ukraine with about $9 billion in aid. On Friday, for example, Poland sent the third batch of Starlink satellite internet terminals to Ukraine, which will allow Ukrainians to stay connected during the winter blackouts.
Poland is also a hub for Ukrainian refugees. About 2.3 million Ukrainians live in Poland, including almost one million refugees.
The close ties between the two countries have hit a nerve with some Russian hackers. Earlier in May, the pro-Kremlin hacker gang Killnet declared “war” against nations that allied with Ukraine, including Poland.
