JERSEY shouldn’t rule itself out as a target for a Russian state-backed cyber attack – partially due to its “attractive” position as a western financial hub – according to a former UK Special Forces director.
Retired British Army officer Sir Graeme Lamb said that governments or criminal organisations looking to “shape the market” or “present an opportunity” could see the Island as a digital target.
Sir Graeme, whose extensive military career includes time as the director of UK Special Forces and Commander of the British Field Army, came to the Island recently to speak at a Channel Islands Cyber Security Conference.
Speaking to the JEP about whether a Russian state-backed cyber threat was a realistic prospect, Sir Graeme said: “Of course. It’s probably something that’s already taken place, is taking place and will continue to take place. I have no doubt whatsoever.
“Jersey is a financial, attractive space that sits in part of the western financial architecture.”
He continued: “One of the dangers of today is that, because of the acceleration of coverging technologies – AI, ML [Machine Learning], big data – and the ability to have it stable and manageable, everything now can be done.
“Whether they’re a government, a company or an individual interested in Jersey, or a criminal organisation interested in a company or an individual in the Island – if someone is looking to shape the market, change the dynamics and present an opportunity – well of course, Jersey’s a target.”
Giving an example of the damage that could be done, he cited an incident in 2016 when a North Korean ransomware virus hit the NHS – costing it £92 million in IT support and lost output of patient care.
Jersey Cyber Security Centre director Matt Palmer this year revealed that more than 80% of the “digital incidents” that struck Jersey in 2023 originated from Russia.
He has previously warned that “consistent, advanced attacks” from that part of the world had become a threat the Island is “going to have to live with and respond to”.
