The Labor Secretary warns that cyberwar with Russia has become an “everyday reality” in the UK

Cyber ​​war with Russia has become an “everyday reality” for the UK, a senior minister will warn today.

Cabinet Secretary Pat McFadden will tell a NATO conference that the Kremlin has become “exceptionally aggressive and reckless in cyberspace” and Vladimir Putin is planning a “destabilizing and devastating” electronic attack.

McFadden will also warn that Russia is trying to “weaponize” society’s growing dependence on artificial intelligence against us.

Addressing defense and cybersecurity experts, he will warn that NATO must maintain its advantage in the new “artificial intelligence arms race.”

“Cyberwar is now commonplace,” he will say. “It’s one where our defense is constantly tested. The scale of the threat must be matched by the strength of our determination to fight it and protect our citizens and systems.

Ministers fear the Kremlin could launch a massive cyber offensive against the UK in retaliation for the country’s support for Ukraine and Sir Keir Starmer’s recent decision to allow Kiev to deploy Britain’s powerful Storm Shadow missiles against military targets in Russia.

Last week, Russian ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin said the UK was now “directly involved” in his country’s war with Ukraine.

Unveiling plans for a new AI security research lab, McFadden will say: “Artificial intelligence is already revolutionizing many areas of life – including national security. However, as this technology is developed, there is a danger that it could be used against us. Because our adversaries are also figuring out how to leverage AI on the physical and cyber battlefields.”

Last year, it was discovered that North Korea was using artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of sophisticated “malware.”

McFadden will warn that the UK’s National Cyber ​​Security Center is already locked in a 24/7 fight against hackers and cybercriminals sponsored by Moscow.

It will reveal that Russia has already targeted Britain’s telecommunications and energy infrastructure, as well as the media and political and democratic institutions.

However, he will insist that the government does not abandon support for Ukraine in the face of intimidation and attacks from Russia.

“There is no doubt: Britain and other countries are watching Russia,” he will say. “We know exactly what they are doing and we oppose their attacks both publicly and behind the scenes.

“We know from history that appeasing dictators engaged in aggression against neighbors only encourages them. Britain long ago learned the importance of remaining strong in the face of such actions.

“That is why we support Ukraine in its fight to decide its own fate. Putin is a man who wants destruction, not peace. He is trying to discourage our support for Ukraine with his threats. He won’t be successful.

McFadden will warn that Putin is trying to “turn out the lights for millions” by targeting energy supplies to Ukraine.

However, last night government sources expressed confidence that the UK’s cyber defenses protecting the UK’s critical national infrastructure would be able to withstand an electronic attack from Russia.

Moscow is perceived as one of the most aggressive countries engaged in cyber warfare, alongside China, North Korea and Iran.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said NATO countries were engaged in a “hidden cyberwar” with Russia.

She told Sky News that “not only is there an open military war with Russia as the aggressor, but there is also a hidden cyber war and that Russia will do everything in its power to destabilize not only in Ukraine but among NATO allies.”

She added: “We need to be absolutely vigilant in this as a government, but also as businesses and wider society, to protect ourselves from cyber hacktivists.”