Russian FM reports major cyberattack on official website

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced a "large-scale" cyberattack affecting its resources, specifically mentioning that its website is currently inaccessible.

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reported that the attack, described as a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) incident, prompted the postponement of a scheduled press briefing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.

Zakharova confirmed that specialists are actively working to restore the ministry's online functionality following the attack.

The incident highlights growing concerns over cybersecurity amid rising geopolitical tensions.

This cyberattack comes against a backdrop of increased scrutiny on foreign influence in upcoming events, particularly concerning the US elections.

US intelligence officials have raised alarms about potential interference from foreign actors, including Russia, China, and Iran.

They warn that these countries are likely to exploit divisive narratives and may consider tactics aimed at undermining confidence in the electoral process.

In a briefing, officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) stated that foreign operatives could engage in disinformation campaigns and physical threats around the November 5 elections.

While they noted that there has been no evidence of coordinated efforts among these nations, they stressed that each could act independently to incite unrest and confusion during the election period.

The intelligence community has learned from previous electoral cycles and believes these actors are better prepared to manipulate social media and information platforms to sow discord among American voters.

They also anticipate attempts to amplify false claims of election irregularities post-vote.

The recent cyberattack on the Russian Foreign Ministry's resources may reflect the escalating cyber warfare capabilities among state actors.

As governments around the world continue to bolster their cybersecurity measures, incidents like these underscore the importance of safeguarding digital infrastructure amid geopolitical conflicts.

The interconnection between cyber threats and election security is a growing concern, prompting governments to remain vigilant against potential disruptions.

As the situation develops, both Russia and the US will be closely watched for further incidents related to cybersecurity and foreign influence in democratic processes.