France and Germany Address Challenges Posed by Nation-State Cyberattacks

The French Ministry of the Interior is currently investigating a suspected cyberattack on its email server, believed to be orchestrated by nation-state actors. Simultaneously, the German government reported attributing a hacking incident from 2024, targeting its air traffic control systems, to Russian state-sponsored hackers.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed in an interview with RTL that it remains unclear whether any files were stolen during the incident, but he hinted that the attack might be indicative of “foreign interference.” The lack of information surrounding the details of the hack poses challenges for security analysts monitoring the situation.

This incident highlights an increasing concern among European governments regarding hybrid cyber tactics employed by Russia. Such tactics, as exemplified by the April attack on a Norwegian dam, often incorporate various forms of cyber operations that collectively contribute to low-grade warfare without reaching the threshold for traditional armed conflict. Richard Moore, head of the British foreign intelligence service, characterized the ongoing Russian operations as a “staggeringly reckless campaign of sabotage” in Europe during a rare address in November 2024.

A recent report by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity noted a significant uptick in state-sponsored attacks, recording 46 incidents attributed to nation-state actors in the year leading up to July 2025. This data emphasizes the persistent threats looming over the EU, particularly from Russian and Chinese state-sponsored hackers.

The German Foreign Ministry has taken proactive measures by summoning the Russian ambassador in response to these recurrent hybrid attacks. Martin Giese, spokesperson for the ministry, articulated that the overarching aim of these cyber and disinformation campaigns is to sow discord, undermine trust, and erode confidence in democratic institutions across the nation.

The recent attacks, including one in August 2024 against German air traffic control systems, have been traced back to a notorious hacking unit known as Fancy Bear, affiliated with the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate. The attribution of this incident points to the increasing sophistication of state-sponsored cyber operations.

With ongoing geopolitical tensions—especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—French officials have warned of potential “open warfare” scenarios stemming from Russia’s increasing aggressiveness. Such statements highlight a dire need for heightened cybersecurity measures and awareness among business leaders and public institutions.

In this context, understanding the tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework becomes crucial. Techniques related to initial access, persistence, and privilege escalation are likely employed by adversaries in these attacks, offering a lens through which to interpret the evolving threats faced by critical infrastructure in both France and Germany.