Macron leaks that are exposed by infamous apt28

The French authorities focused on Russian hackers for their alleged participation in the notorious “Macron leaks” during the election campaign of President Emmanuel Macron 2017. This accusation is the first time that France has publicly accused Moscow of interfering in her affairs through cyber attacks.

The Russian hacking group identified as an apt28, also known as Fancy Bear and associated with the GRU, Russia's secret service, was accused of orchestrated the cyber attacks. The same group has a story of cybercrime, including the hacking of the German Bundestag in 2015 and the US Democratic National Committee in 2016.

According to the French Foreign Ministry, the APT28 group has been active in attacks against French interests for several years. The latest reports indicate that this group has also been involved in a dozen French company since 2021 and put pressure on the infrastructure of Ukraine.

In addition, the French cyber security authority revealed that ministerial agencies and actors of the private sector in finance and aerospace were among the goals of these cyber attacks. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized France's vigilance against such threats and described it as “silent war” that Russia led to France.

The decision of the French government to publicly proclaim the perpetrators of these cyber attacks is a rare step that indicates the seriousness of the situation. President Macron's latest strong attitude against Russian President Vladimir Putin underlines the determination of France to address these cyber security challenges.

Macron's increasing rhetoric against Putin, including the request to put it on, stop his intentions in Ukraine conflict, presents the permanent attitude of France to hold Russia for his measures. The efforts of the French President to put pressure on both the United States and Russia to prioritize peace talks recently have increased and the commitment of France to combat cyber threats and the guarantee of international security.