According to an internal government memo reported by Der Spiegel, a drone swarm deliberately surveyed critical infrastructure in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, including a power plant and naval facility. This incident adds to growing concerns about airspace violations by Russia, which has been accused of similar incursions by several NATO members like Denmark, Estonia, Poland, and Romania. The confirmed drone sightings, coinciding with investigations into drone disruptions in Denmark, have prompted heightened security measures and raised questions about the effectiveness of existing air defense systems. Authorities are investigating the incidents as potential acts of sabotage or espionage, while experts express concern about the insufficient protection of Germany’s critical infrastructure.
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In response to unidentified drone activity near critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region, NATO has announced it will enhance its “Baltic Sentry” mission. The augmented mission will involve “intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms and at least one air-defence frigate.” These additions are designed to protect critical infrastructure after recent incursions in multiple countries, including Denmark and Norway. Germany is considering authorizing its military to shoot down drones, and the EU is expected to discuss improved defense strategies, with Russia being the prime suspect behind the drone activity.
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Polish industrial control systems (ICS/OT) continue to be targeted by Russian hacktivists, as evidenced by a recent attack on a hydroelectric power plant near Gdansk, as reported by CyberDefence24. This August attack involved manipulating operational parameters to disrupt the plant’s functionality, mirroring previous incidents that targeted critical infrastructure such as water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as pools and fountains. Concurrently, Polish authorities revealed the prevention of a cyberattack on a major city’s water supply, underscoring the increasing threat to national infrastructure. Furthermore, the Secret Blizzard hacker group, associated with Russian intelligence, has been actively deploying the ApolloShadow spyware to compromise devices used by diplomatic staff, highlighting the breadth of the Russian cyber campaign.
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The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has officially attributed a cyberattack on a hydropower dam in Bremanger to Russia, marking the first time Oslo has formally accused Moscow. The attack, which occurred in April, allowed water to flow unnoticed for four hours, releasing 500 liters per second. PST’s head stated the incident exemplifies a shift in activity from pro-Russian cyber actors aimed at creating fear and chaos. Although no injuries or damage resulted, the PST is warning that Russian intelligence services are actively attempting to gather information and recruit contacts within Norway.
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Following recent US strikes in Iran, major US cities are bracing for potential retaliatory attacks. The Department of Homeland Security has warned of increased cyber and physical attack risks. Authorities are particularly concerned about potential attacks on critical infrastructure. NBC News reports on specific sites identified as high-priority targets. Increased security measures are being implemented nationwide.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aims to modernize the outdated U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system, currently reliant on obsolete technology like floppy disks and Windows 95 computers. This ambitious project, deemed critical national infrastructure, necessitates a complete system replacement due to security risks and unsustainable maintenance costs. While a four-year completion goal has been set, industry experts consider this timeline overly optimistic. The FAA is actively seeking industry proposals and solutions to address this long-overdue upgrade.
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Driven by concerns of inadequate wartime preparedness, the British government is revising its 20-year-old homeland defense plan to address potential Russian aggression. This classified update details responses to a range of attacks, from conventional missiles to cyber warfare, including provisions for government continuity and public safety. The plan acknowledges Britain’s vulnerability to attacks on critical infrastructure and the potential for significant civilian casualties and economic disruption. The revised strategy will guide the government’s actions in a wartime scenario, covering aspects such as communications, transport, and the protection of key personnel.
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A subsea fiber optic cable connecting Cape Breton Island and Newfoundland was deliberately cut for the second time in December 2024, requiring extensive repairs by a specialized ship. Bell, the cable’s owner, suspects an anchor or fishing gear was used to bring the cable to the surface before it was intentionally severed. The company is cooperating with the RCMP investigation and exploring preventative measures, including burying the cable and employing satellite surveillance. While the RCMP lacks sufficient evidence for the first incident, the investigation into the second continues.
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Ukrainian drone strikes have reportedly triggered fires at several major oil and gas facilities within Russia. This development underscores the escalating conflict and the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by Ukraine in its resistance against the ongoing invasion. The fires, ignited by falling drone debris, highlight the vulnerability of Russia’s critical infrastructure, despite its vast size and military capabilities.
The targeting of oil refineries, specifically the distillation columns—those tall, distinctive towers crucial to the refining process—suggests a strategic approach. These columns are not easily replaced, and their destruction could significantly impact Russia’s oil production and refining capacity. The inability to easily manufacture replacements domestically further exacerbates the situation for Russia, potentially hindering their war effort and economic stability.… Continue reading
Escalating tensions between NATO and Russia, fueled by the provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, have prompted warnings of potential Russian retaliation. Moscow is reportedly poised to launch attacks against critical national infrastructure in NATO countries, including power grids. This threat coincides with a surge in cyberattacks attributed to Russian state-aligned groups, totaling at least nine incidents in the past year. The UK and its allies are actively monitoring Russia’s actions and working to prevent these attacks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood