The head of the Netherlands General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) Eric Ackerbom spoke about the catching of hackers from Russia and China, which allegedly happens every day, wrote the NOS edition on February 11. Russian media have only taken notice of the article now.
“Every day we catch hackers from both China and Russia hacking into computers of companies and educational institutions. Their goal is also vital infrastructure such as drinking water supplies, banks, telecommunications and energy networks,” Akerbom said. / p>
In this regard, he believes, intelligence needs more money to fight attacks. According to Akerbom, the attacks already “threaten the country’s ability to make money.” Threatened industries include maritime, agriculture, aerospace, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
RIA Novosti, in turn, drew attention to the fact that the head of intelligence did not provide specific examples of cyber attacks.
In December 2020, the Netherlands was accused of espionage by two Russian diplomats, calling them employees of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) under cover. The Russians were declared persona non grata. In response, Moscow expelled two employees of the Dutch embassy. The accusations against the Russians of activities incompatible with diplomatic status were called “unfounded and libelous”.