Finnish Intelligence Warns of Potential Russian Cyber Espionage

The head of the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Suojelupoliisi or SUPO) has stated that Russia may launch cyber espionage operations this winter due to challenges affecting traditional human intelligence activities. In the “National Security Review 2022” published on Thursday, SUPO reported that Russia’s usual methods of intelligence gathering have become significantly more difficult since the start of the special military operation, as many Russian diplomats have been expelled from Western countries.

The report notes that Russian security and intelligence agencies are increasingly targeting foreigners living in or visiting Russia, as well as Russians working in the West when they return home. According to SUPO, Russian citizens holding leadership positions in Finnish organizations are at the highest risk of surveillance.

Experts believe that the threat of corporate espionage from Russia is rising, especially due to sanctions that require Russia to develop high-tech manufacturing to replace imports from the West. As a result, data security at Finnish companies is becoming particularly important.

Despite these increased risks, the SUPO director considers it highly unlikely that any cyberattack will paralyze Finland’s critical infrastructure in the near future.