Munich Conference: Concern over Russian involvement in German elections

Its head Conference for the Munich Security, the German, a former diplomat, Wolfgang Isinger, states that it is concerned about foreign, mainly Russian, involvement in the September 26 elections that will put an end to the Merkel term. “Governments and parliaments have been attacked (in the context of cyber-attacks), which has shaken the credibility of the political process,” the German ambassador to Washington and London told AFP in an interview.

“In the German parliament, a huge amount of data has been stolen in recent years, which raises concerns about possible interference in the elections,” warns the man who chairs the annual Munich Security Conference. The German parliament became the target of a cyber attack in 2015, which was attributed to Russia. Other smaller attacks have taken place in recent years. “I would be surprised if the Russian side was not interested in those who are calling for more pressure on Russia not to win the election, if possible,” said Isinger.

Conservative candidate Armin Lasset, the “big favorite” of the election, has accused Russia of “defying our values” and violating international law by annexing Crimea. Second in the polls, the Greens and their candidate, Alena Berbock, are even more assertive, to the point of questioning the Nord Stream 2 pipeline plan. better for data protection.

“Whoever has the data, also has the power”

Compared to China or the United States, “we still have a long way to go to gain control over these issues of data protection, management and use,” the report said, promising to set up “multinational and European programs.” security ». “Whoever has the data has the power “and whoever can manage the data has the power.”

Thus, according to the report, European countries can “possess and exploit their own cryptographic keys at national or European level, enhancing cooperation between researchers and users of cryptography in the field of security and defense”. The rapid development of 5G technology can facilitate this process, referred to in the report. 5G could “improve the speed and security of the information transmitted, especially in the Information, Monitoring and Identification systems”.

You may also like