French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced an increase in hacker attacks on French companies within the military-industrial complex, attributing them to Russia. In an interview with “Le Journal du Dimanche,” the Defense Minister stated, “We are facing cyber-attacks originating from Russia, which have become more frequent and aggressive,” noting that “these attacks, blurring the lines between the Russian state and Russian individuals, are directed against our infrastructure.”
According to the Minister, several months ago, hackers targeted a major defense institution in the country, but the attack was thwarted, adding that “it is clear that their source was from Russia.” Lecornu claimed that the hackers were attempting to disrupt the military production “of France and its allies.
France has been proactive in addressing cybersecurity threats, ranking among the top ten countries best prepared against cyber-attacks. Despite this, a significant portion of the French population remains concerned about cybersecurity risks. Recent incidents have underscored this concern, such as a cyber-attack on a hospital in Versailles in December 2022, which led to the cancellation of operations and the transfer of patients. The attack was part of a series of attempts against the hospital, with hackers threatening to release patient information online if a ransom was not paid. The hospital’s refusal to pay the ransom resulted in some health data being published on the dark web. Additionally, France’s National Assembly website was targeted by a distributed denial-of-service attack claimed by pro-Russian hackers.
In response to the growing threat, France has implemented several measures, including a new law effective from April 2023, requiring victims of cyber-attacks to report incidents within 72 hours to qualify for reimbursements under their cybersecurity insurance policy. The country has also set up special police units to combat cybercrime.
To further bolster its cybersecurity infrastructure, France has established a new business campus in Paris’ La Defense district, aimed at consolidating the nation’s top cybersecurity experts to tackle hacking. The campus draws inspiration from similar initiatives like Israel’s CyberSpark and hosts startups, experts, and major companies like LVMH, L’Oreal, and leading banks. This project is part of France’s broader strategy to be independent in advanced technologies and not rely on foreign entities for cybersecurity.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has outlined the nation’s comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for robust national initiatives, international cooperation, and the development of a stable and secure cyberspace. France’s national cybersecurity strategy, adopted in 2015, focuses on ensuring national sovereignty, combating cybercrime, public awareness, leveraging digital security as a competitive advantage, and enhancing France’s international standing in cybersecurity matters.
