Russia uses internet to stir global political instability, Microsoft claims

3 min. read

Published onSeptember 6, 2023

published onSeptember 6, 2023

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

The digital world is not just about social connectivity or endless repositories of information, it’s a versatile battlefield where countries wage silent wars.

Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) has shared an alarming example bypublishing a reportthat underscores how Russia uses the internet to fuel political instability worldwide.

Today we aresharing a reportfrom the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) on Russian influence operations in Africa, principally focused on the Niger coup. We believe it is vital there is a wider understanding of the ways in which the Internet is being used to stoke political instability around the world.

MTAC’s recent focus has been Africa, a continent stained by a rash of military coups in nations like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon.

One of the pointed-out events was the palace coup in Niger. The leaders cherry-picked oppressive measures to consolidate power – suppressing protests in Niamey, instating a curfew, and sealing the borders.

However, counter-protests emerged, proliferating pro-Russian sentiments and blaming France for the unrest. Behind the screens of these demonstrations, two distinctly pro-Russian organizations drew attention — PARADE Niger and the Union of Pan-African Patriots.

PARADE Niger, appearing to be a construct of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, masquerades as a local group, and the Union of Pan-African Patriots serves as a political vessel for one individual.

These entities have vociferously defended the coup, promoting a stronger allegiance with Russia while orchestrating and amplifying offline protests.

In the grand scheme of things, MTAC identified six primary ingredients in Russia’s “African coup cookbook.”

The report paints a grim picture of cyberspace hijacked for geopolitical maneuvering. With this revelation uncovered by MTAC, one can only hope that this insight could strengthen global cybersecurity measures and counter similar influence operations effectively in the future.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Russia uses internet to stir global political instability, Microsoft claims#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Russia uses internet to stir global political instability, Microsoft claims