United States and

Britain, United States and Canada have accused hackers backed by the Russian state of trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research from academic and pharmaceutical institutions around the world.

A co-ordinated statement from Britain, the United States and Canada, announced by Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) attributed the attacks to group APT29.

The hacker group, which is also known as Cozy Bear, is said to be operating as part of Russian intelligence services.

“We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” said NCSC Director of Operations Paul Chichester.