France officially accuses Russia of cyberattacks on its institutions

In an unprecedented move, France has formally blamed Russia for a series of cyberattacks targeting both public and private institutions.

On Monday, April 29, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs issued a statement in which France officially attributes the cyberattacks to the group APT28, also known as “Fancy Bear,” a threat actor widely believed to be linked to Russian military intelligence (GRU).
These attacks are part of a broader campaign systematically targeting government institutions as well as strategic sectors in the private sphere. Identified targets include public services, private companies, and an entity associated with the organization of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. APT28, whose involvement in major cyberattacks is well documented, had already been linked to the sabotage of the TV5Monde television network in 2015, as well as attempts to disrupt the French electoral process in 2017.

Paris did not hesitate to describe these actions as “unacceptable and unworthy of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” reaffirming its commitment to defending digital sovereignty and responding firmly to such acts of aggression.
This statement marks a new step in France’s digital defense policy, signaling a shift toward greater transparency and determination in confronting state-sponsored interference in cyberspace.