Russia accused of hacking virus vaccine trials

Britain, the United States and Canada accused Russia on Thursday of trying to steal information from researchers seeking a COVID-19 vaccine.

The three nations alleged that hacking group APT29, also known as Cozy Bear and said to be part of the Russian intelligence service, is attacking academic and pharmaceutical research institutions involved in coronavirus vaccine development.

Britain’s National Cybersecurity Centre made the announcement, which was coordinated with authorities in the U.S. and Canada.

"The UK stands with the US & Canada against the reckless actions of Russia's intelligence services, who we have exposed today for committing cyber attacks against those working on a #Covid19 vaccine - undermining vital world cooperation to defeat this pandemic,"  British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a Tweet.

The persistent and ongoing attacks are seen by intelligence officials as an effort to steal intellectual property, rather than to disrupt research.

It was unclear whether any information actually was stolen but the center says individuals’ confidential information is not believed to have been compromised.

The Russian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Representative Image)