Is Russia Stealing Vaccine Research for Coronavirus?

While scientists, doctors, and researchers from all over the world are trying to find the vaccine for coronavirus, America, Britain, and Canada have accused Russia of trying to steal their vaccine research for coronavirus data. The three countries claim that Russia is trying to steal their research by cyberattacks on medical organizations and universities. At the same time, the Kremlin has denied this allegation. The thing which triggered the most is that apart from America and Britain, Russia has also claimed that its coronavirus vaccine was found to be effective in the initial trial.

The virus has killed more than 593,776 people and infected more than 13.9 million people so far. It has also crippled the global economy since the virus emerged at the end of last year. The world’s hopes have stood on its vaccine. Here, Brazil announced that it had crossed two million confirmed cases.

Cyber Attack To Steal Data Related To Vaccine Research for Coronavirus

On Thursday, British media reported that a trial at the University of Oxford produced a positive response against the virus from its prototype vaccine. But hours later, Britain’s National Cyber ​​Security Center NCSC said a hacking group called APT29 targeted British laboratories conducting vaccine research for coronavirus to “steal the valuable intellectual property.”

Vaccine Research for Coronavirus

The agency stated that it was “almost certain, ninety-five percent was sure, that APT29 is part of the Russian intelligence services” and that its researchers aimed to “collect information on vaccine research for coronavirus”. The United States, Britain, and Canada all accused Russia in a joint security advisory.

Moscow denied any involvement with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, saying: “Russia has nothing to do with these efforts.” The controversy came when the need for a vaccine was once again outlined with Brazil. There have been two million coronavirus cases in Brazil alone. The number of deaths recorded in the country is now more than 76,000.

It is not yet known where these cyber-attacks have been carried out, but it is believed that pharmaceuticals and academic institutions have been targeted. It is speculated that this official statement may increase tensions at the diplomatic level, which has already deepened between Britain and Russia. Britain’s Foreign Minister Dominic Raab has said that those responsible for these attacks will have to face the consequences.