Germany investigates suspected Russian-backed cyberattacks, terrorism links

German authorities are investigating a suspected Russian cyberattack on the German Association for Eastern European Studies (DGO), linked to the hacker group APT29, also known as Cozy Bear. The attack, which targeted email systems, occurred despite enhanced cybersecurity measures implemented after a previous breach last year. German intelligence believes this incident is part of a broader strategy of Russian hybrid warfare aimed at influencing democratic discourse in Germany, particularly targeting institutions that Moscow has labeled as 'undesirable.' Additionally, security services are probing potential Russian involvement in recent terror attacks that may have affected public discourse on immigration policy and contributed to the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. These developments highlight the ongoing cybersecurity threats faced by German institutions amid rising tensions with Russia. Lawmakers condemned the cyberattack as an assault on academic freedom and democratic processes in Germany.