Russia To Test “Unplugging” From Global Internet

February 11, 2019 Russia, Technology

Russia is considering whether to disconnect from the global internet briefly, as part of a test of its cyber-defences. The test will mean data passing between Russian citizens and organisations stays inside the nation rather than being routed internationally.

A draft law mandating technical changes needed to operate independently was introduced to its parliament last year. The test is expected to happen before 1 April, but no exact date has been set.

The draft law, called the Digital Economy National Program, requires Russia’s ISPs to ensure that it can operate in the event of foreign powers acting to isolate the country online. NATO and its allies have threatened to sanction Russia over the cyber-attacks and other online interference which it is regularly accused of instigating.

Hmm… Russia plans to temporarily disconnect the entire country from the internet

The planned unplugging is part of a cyber war-gaming exercise to make sure Russia can still operate even if it is disconnected from outside its borders.https://t.co/gI1uVlQH3e via @techreview

— Amit Paranjape (@aparanjape) February 11, 2019