Russia’s use of cyberspace in hybrid conflicts in the light of Russian cyber security policy

Abstract

Over the last years, an increased activity of the Russian Federation in virtual space has been observed. The article aim is to analyse Russia’s use of cyberspace in hybrid conflicts. Although the hypothesis states that the Russian cyber security policy has undergone a gradual evolution, its vital function is still to maintain Russia's role as a global leader. This article identifies examples of the Kremlin's use of cyberspace - cyber-attacks (also on the other countries), participation in information war conducted using propaganda, and ma-nipulation. Russia’s activity in cyberspace shows that it is necessary to examine its cyber security policy. The article briefly presents Russian Federation legal acts on cyber security. The article raises the issue of Runet - a project of an internal Russian network, independent from the global Internet. Moreover, the paper also discusses the issue of illegal use of the cyberspace, and international responsibility under international law. The article is based on the descriptive method, as well as analysis of sources, and documents.