Several NATO European members are reportedly considering the development of offensive cyber operations as a countermeasure against alleged hybrid attacks by Russia. This follows a recent surge in cyberattacks targeting Russian entities, with a 46% increase reported this year. Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braze emphasized the need for NATO to be more proactive in cyber defense and to enhance intelligence coordination. The move is intended to send a clear message to Moscow, as Western governments continue to assess various options to counter the perceived threat.
In late 2024, NATO unveiled plans to establish a new integrated cyber defense center at its headquarters in Belgium, set to go live by 2028. Stefano Piermarocchi, head of cyber risk management at NATO’s chief information office, mentioned that the center would improve situational awareness and facilitate coordinated responses to threats. NATO has previously accused Russia of hacking government servers, jamming GPS signals, and operating drones in their airspace. Moscow has rejected these allegations, labeling them as part of Western efforts to engage in hybrid aggression.
Recent high-profile cyber incidents, including a major hacking breach of Aeroflot, the largest Russian airline, in July, illustrate the escalating threat. Two pro-Ukraine groups claimed responsibility for the Aeroflot attack, further highlighting the potential for cyber warfare to disrupt critical infrastructure. As tensions continue to rise, the alliance’s consideration of offensive cyber capabilities signals a shift toward more active measures against perceived cyber aggression.