The Russian government recently completed several tests of which the goal was to isolated RuNet, its home-grown “sovereign” internet service, from the internet. The tests, which were successful, were done as part of a simulation that keeps critical internal infrastructure operational during a cyber attack from the outside.
Russia’s government explains that the tests came after a law was passed back in February. Requiring all of the country’s internet service providers to both block and inspect inbound and outbound traffic. In total, 18 simulated attack scenarios were reportedly conducted in order to determine the efficacy of both federal and commercial telcos, while still retaining access to local services via a DNS cache.
Russia’s communications minister said that successful tests show that the country that its telcos and state authorities will be able to respond to such threats while still retaining functionality of its RuNet.
The “why” behind Russia’s creation of a sovereign internet has been described by the former Soviet powerhouse as a necessary move in order to protect its citizen from the growing influence of social media and external cyber attacks. On the other hand, several people – in and out of Russia – see it as a way for the country’s government to tighten its grip and censorship on its citizens. In a fashion similar to what China currently employs with its own people.
(Source: Techspot // Image: New York Times)
