Russia accused of targeting COVID-19 research

A group of hackers backed by the Russian government is trying to steal research related to vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus, Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre said on Thursday. The United States and Canada backed the agency’s statement accusing APT29, or Cozy Bear, of carrying out ongoing attacks worldwide “predominantly against government, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare, and energy targets.”

Were the attacks successful? No one knows if the Russian group stole any research. The National Cyber Security Centre said the hacks didn’t compromise any personal information. In April, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said criminals were targeting COVID-19 research and warned that more people working from home created security risks. Last week, FBI Director Chris Wray accused China of trying to compromise U.S. healthcare organizations and their pandemic efforts.

Dig deeper: Read Dr. Charles Horton’s update on the international search for a COVID-19 vaccine.