Germany recalls ambassador to Russia citing cyberattacks
Al JazeeraMay 22
Germany: Cyberattacks From Foreign Entities up 28%
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Image copyright: Mika Baumeister via Unsplash
The Facts
Data released on Monday on the extent of cybercrime in Germany found that reports of cyberattacks from foreign entities rose 28% in 2023, and were estimated to have cost the economy €148B ($159B) in damages.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, presenting her report at the Federal Criminal Police Office, said the threat from foreign cybercrime "remains high." Germany "will not be intimidated by the Russian regime," Faeser added.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Cyberattacks from repressive, expansionist regimes like Russia and China have exploded in recent years, with Germany's harsh actions serving as a promising message that the West won't take them lying down anymore. Hundreds of incidents of "authoritarian interference" across Europe, including cyberattacks and bribery, have come to light thanks to increased vigilance. The free world must continue both to tirelessly advocate against foreign interference and establish better safeguards here at home.
Establishment-critical narrative
These allegations show that the West is continuing its two-pronged, contradictory assault against Russia; accusing the country of being an omnipotent threat to everyone while gleefully promoting anti-Russian interests at home and abroad. These two pictures cannot be reconciled. These cyberattack claims are more baseless accusations hurled at Russia from a global community that has done nothing but antagonize and attempt to isolate it. Russia is not the aggressor in Europe.
