The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned of the threat of cyber pandemic to humanity

Director of the Department of International Information Security of the Russian Foreign Ministry Andrei Krutskikh said on Tuesday during the online discussion “Information Security and the Digitalization Process: Between Development and Fears” that in addition to the coronavirus pandemic, humanity today is threatened by cyber pandemic provoked by the negative development of digital technologies, which could lead to military confrontation.

“We are dealing with two pandemics. One is a bio pandemic associated with the spread of coronavirus, people are dying, and now this is a priority topic. But in parallel with it, another global problem is also deepening, and it is probably human made – this is what I would call a cyber pandemic. Under cyberpandemic I understand the possibility of the involvement of humanity in cyber confrontation and even cyberwar,” said Mr. Krutskikh.

He explained that the manifestations of cyberpandemic are hacking, cyberterrorism, cyber interference in private life and the development of states. “This is all a consequence of the development of negative trends in improving cyber technologies,” added the diplomat.
“I also refer to the fact that a number of states proclaim doctrines of the right to launch preemptive cyberattacks even against a potential enemy when no one’s guilt has yet been proven,” added Mr. Krutskikh.

At the same time, he stressed that the forced transfer of many areas of life “to online” in the context of the coronavirus pandemic clearly shows the need to ensure international information security and develop common measures to combat cyber threats.

“We must develop not only a common language terminologically, not only a common understanding but also common security standards. We must not be late in finding solutions before the next cyber crisis,” warned Mr. Krutskikh.

On Tuesday, the Bank of Russia announced new fraudulent schemes to steal money from bank accounts using social engineering; criminals are actively using the theme of coronavirus infection.