--- title: The use of Cyber Warfare alongside Kinetic Warfare description: "Although the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is well known since the invasion in February 2022, the use of cyber warfare is still unknown to many. With the use of cyber warfare in the Russo-Ukraine war, Ukrainian leaders have stated that “the country has become a \"test ground\" for new cyber weapons and tactics”." image: https://csacyber.com/hubfs/cyber-warfre.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://csacyber.com/blog/the-use-of-cyber-warfare-alongside-kinetic-warfare#main-content) [![CSA Cyber - Cyber Security Solutions to Protect your People](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Full%20Logo.png?width=300&height=108&name=CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Full%20Logo.png "CSA Cyber - Cyber Security Solutions to Protect your People")](https://csacyber.com/) - Services - [Offensive Security Services](https://csacyber.com/offensive-security-services) - [Penetration Testing](https://csacyber.com/penetration-testing) - [Red Teaming and attack simulations](https://csacyber.com/offensive-security-services#red-teaming) - [Continuous testing](https://csacyber.com/offensive-security-services#continuous-assurance) - [Managed offensive security](https://csacyber.com/offensive-security-services#managed-offensive) - [Consultancy Services](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services) - [Frameworks & assessments](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services/frameworks-and-assessments) - [Data protection](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services#data-protection) - [Virtual leadership](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services#virtual-leadership) - [Technical security consulting](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services#technical-consultancy) - [Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-consultancy-services/governance-risk-and-compliance-services) - [Extended Managed Security Services](https://csacyber.com/extended-managed-security-services) - [Microsoft Sentinel SIEM](https://csacyber.com/extended-managed-security-services#microsoft-sentinel) - [SOC services](https://csacyber.com/extended-managed-security-services#soc-services) - [SentinelOne Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)](https://csacyber.com/extended-managed-security-services#cyber-helpdesk) - [Incident Response Services](https://csacyber.com/incident-response-services) - [Emergency Incident Response](https://csacyber.com/urgent/emergency-incident-response) - [Incident Response Retainer](https://csacyber.com/incident-response-services) - [Cyber Incident Readiness & Response Planning](https://csacyber.com/incident-response-services) - [Tabletop Exercises & Live-Range Engagements](https://csacyber.com/incident-response-services) - [Specialist Security Services](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services) - [AI Security](https://csacyber.com/cyber-services-for-ai) - [Operational Technology (OT)](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services#operational-technology) - [Cyber security for Private Equity](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services#mergers-and-acquisitions) - [Cyber training and education](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services#training-and-education) - [Virtual leadership](https://csacyber.com/specialist-services#leadership) - [Cyber Technologies](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies) - [SentinelOne Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#sentinelone) - [AppGuard Endpoint & Server Zero Trust Protection](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#appguard) - [Qualys Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#qualys-vmaas) - [Lookout Mobile Device Protection](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#lookout) - [ThreatER DNS Protection](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#threater-dns) - [Cyber Security Awareness & Training platform](https://csacyber.com/cyber-technologies#boxphish) - [About](https://csacyber.com/about-us) - [Careers](https://csacyber.com/careers) - [Certifications](https://csacyber.com/certifications-and-awards) - [Blog](https://csacyber.com/blog) - [Support Centre](https://csacyber.com/support) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://csacyber.com/case-studies) - [Downloads & Reports](https://csacyber.com/downloads-and-reports) - [Webinars](https://csacyber.com/webinars) - [Partners](https://csacyber.com/partners) - [Cyber Bundles (IT MSPs)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-bundles) - [Contact](https://csacyber.com/contact-us) - Search Search Search January 17, 2023 2 min read time # The use of Cyber Warfare alongside Kinetic Warfare ![Cyber Security Associates](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e) [Written by: Cyber Security Associates -](https://csacyber.com/blog/author/cyber-security-associates) [Article](https://csacyber.com/blog/tag/article) ![](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/cyber-warfre.jpg) ### Executive Summary Although the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is well known since the invasion in February 2022, the use of cyber warfare is still unknown to many. With the use of cyber warfare in the Russo-Ukraine war, Ukrainian leaders have stated that “the country has become a "test ground" for new cyber weapons and tactics”. Both public and private information systems have been targeted from the start of the conflict to present, however, one notable attack occurred prior to the invasion of Ukraine. The same day that Ukraine was invaded by Russia, the cybersecurity company ESET discovered a disk-wiping malware known as KillDisk targeting various Ukrainian organisations including banks, government agencies and aviation. At first glance, it behaves similar to ransomware in the way that it removes files from the device, however, this malware does not encrypt or ransom back the data. It will delete files from the computer, but also the master boot record with the only known purpose of this attack being to result in an unusable device. Similarly, in attempts to sabotage the Ukrainian power system cyber-attacks were carried out against DTEK (the largest private energy investor in Ukraine) and as a result left many without power. Russia have been found to be responsible for numerous cyber-attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy institutions with the most damaging attack being the infamous ‘NotPetya’ cyberattack in June 2017 which was described as ‘the most destructive and costly cyber-attack in history’. Although this attack targeted Ukraine, it also affected numerous organisations across the world costing an estimated $10 billion globally. Due to the cyber-attacks against Ukraine, Kyiv has argued that these attacks are so destructive towards critical and civilian infrastructure that they could amount to war crimes. This is due to cyberattacks being launched alongside kinetic warfare to assist in damage to infrastructure like in the examples above. However, these cyber-attacks come from both sides with Pro-Ukrainian hackers targeting state agencies as well as civilians. This has resulted in a huge number of data leaks containing names, addresses and phone numbers of the Russian population including schoolchildren. In fact there were so many leaks in 2022 that prices have almost halved for databases on the dark web that do not contain financial and other sensitive information. The effects of these cyber-attacks are not for financial gain but instead almost purely to cause damage to devices, infrastructure and in some cases human life. The KillDisk cyber-attack was used for the sole intention of damaging the devices and data across the country and similarly, the cyber-attacks launched against energy companies carried the intention of taking electricity away from not only organisations but also civilians. Furthermore, a large portion of the data breaches carried out by both government and civilian entities is not relevant to war and mainly targets civilians, for example, the schoolchildren in Russia. ### References [https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-war-cyberattack-test-ground-nato-eu-hackers-1745309](https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-war-cyberattack-test-ground-nato-eu-hackers-1745309) [https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/ukraine-wiper-malware-russia](https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/ukraine-wiper-malware-russia) [https://www.politico.eu/article/victor-zhora-ukraine-russia-cyberattack-infrastructure-war-crime/](https://www.politico.eu/article/victor-zhora-ukraine-russia-cyberattack-infrastructure-war-crime/)" [https://therecord.media/pro-ukraine-hackers-leak-russian-data-in-hopes-someone-will-make-sense-of-it/?web\_view=true](https://therecord.media/pro-ukraine-hackers-leak-russian-data-in-hopes-someone-will-make-sense-of-it/?web_view=true) [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5747985](https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5747985) [https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/russian-military-almost-certainly-responsible-destructive-2017-cyber-attack](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/russian-military-almost-certainly-responsible-destructive-2017-cyber-attack) Related Posts ## You may also like this [Similar Articles](https://csacyber.com/blog) [![](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20images%20%281%29.jpg?width=624&height=427&name=Blog%20images%20%281%29.jpg)](https://csacyber.com/blog/when-the-sea-becomes-the-battleground-what-the-texas-bound-tanker-attacks-tell-us-about-ot-security) October 19, 2026 5 min read ### [When the sea becomes the battleground: What the Texas-bound tanker attacks tell us about OT security](https://csacyber.com/blog/when-the-sea-becomes-the-battleground-what-the-texas-bound-tanker-attacks-tell-us-about-ot-security) The recent cyber incidents involving two Texas-bound energy tankers may be one of the clearest... [![Nathan Long](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1722023909652.jpg?width=40&height=40&name=1722023909652.jpg) Nathan Long](https://csacyber.com/blog/author/nathan-long) [![](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20images.jpg?width=624&height=427&name=Blog%20images.jpg)](https://csacyber.com/blog/the-attack-surface-has-changed.-the-fundamentals-have-not) October 16, 2026 14 min read ### [The attack surface has changed. The fundamentals have not.](https://csacyber.com/blog/the-attack-surface-has-changed.-the-fundamentals-have-not) Note from the author: Fair warning: this turned into a longer post than planned. I’m under no... [![Nathan Long](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1722023909652.jpg?width=40&height=40&name=1722023909652.jpg) Nathan Long](https://csacyber.com/blog/author/nathan-long) [![](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20230510-N1005919-Edit1.jpg?width=624&height=427&name=20230510-N1005919-Edit1.jpg)](https://csacyber.com/blog/fluidone-group-appoints-charly-davis-as-managing-director-of-csa-cyber-to-advance-its-security-first-strategy) August 24, 2026 2 min read ### [FluidOne Group appoints Charly Davis as Managing Director of CSA Cyber to advance its security-first strategy](https://csacyber.com/blog/fluidone-group-appoints-charly-davis-as-managing-director-of-csa-cyber-to-advance-its-security-first-strategy) Experienced industry leader joins FluidOne to strengthen integrated cyber, IT and secure networking... [![CSA Cyber](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Stacked.png?width=40&height=40&name=CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Stacked.png) CSA Cyber](https://csacyber.com/blog/author/csa-cyber) [![CSA Cyber Logo FNL\_Full Logo](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Full%20Logo.png?width=3463&height=1248&name=CSA%20Cyber%20Logo%20FNL_Full%20Logo.png "CSA Cyber Logo FNL_Full Logo")](https://csacyber.com/) Established in 2013, Cyber Security Associates Limited trading as CSA Cyber provides cyber consultancy and cyber managed services which help to detect, protect and educate against the ever-changing cyber threat. We have built our team from a foundation of Government (ex-Military) and Commercially experienced specialists all holding current and relevant cyber certifications. Today our core services are based around a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) based in Gloucester. #### News & Resources - [Blog](https://csacyber.com/blog) - [Case Studies](https://csacyber.com/case-studies) - [Downloads & Reports](https://csacyber.com/downloads-and-reports) - [Webinars](https://csacyber.com/webinars) - [Careers](https://csacyber.com/careers) - [Cyber Bundles (IT MSPs)](https://csacyber.com/cyber-bundles) #### Quick Links - [About Us](https://csacyber.com/about-us) - [Certifications](https://csacyber.com/certifications-and-awards) - [Our Parent Company](https://www.fluidone.com) - [Partners](https://csacyber.com/partners) - [Contact Us](https://csacyber.com/contact-us) - [Anti Bribery Policy](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/CSAAnti-BriberyPolicy.pdf) - [Complaints Policy](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/CSAComplaintsPolicy.pdf) - [Corporate Social Responsibility Policy](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/CSACorporateSocialResponsibilityPolicy.pdf) - [Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement](https://csacyber.com/hubfs/CSASlaveryandHumanTraffickingStatement.pdf) - [NCSC CHECK Status Verification](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/organisation/csa-cyber/check-penetration-testing) - [CREST Approved Certification Verification](https://www.crest-approved.org/member_companies/csa-cyber/) #### Contact Information **United Kingdom - London** Cyber Security Associates Ltd 5 Hatfields, London, SE1 9PG   **United Kingdom - Gloucester** Cyber Security Associates Ltd Unit 11, Wheatstone Court, Waterwells Business Park, GL2 2AQ   **Phone:** [+44(0) 300 303 4691](tel:03003034691) **Email:** [hello@csacyber.com](mailto:hello@csacyber.com)   **United States of America** Cyber Security Associates Inc. 6010 W. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas, 75024   **Phone:** [+1 469 750 1695](tel:14697501695)  **Email:** [hello@csacyber.com](mailto:hello@csacyber.com)   [![trust-pilot](https://csacyber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/trust-pilot.png?width=178&height=104&name=trust-pilot.png)](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/csa.limited)   --- - [Website Terms of Use](https://csacyber.com/website-terms-of-use) - [Website Privacy Policy](https://csacyber.com/privacy-notice) - [Website Cookie Policy](https://csacyber.com/cookie-policy) Copyright 2026. Cyber Security Associates Ltd [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CSALIMITED/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/csa-cyber/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/cybersecurityis) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/@cybersecurityassociateslim) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/cybersecurityassociates) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Cyber Security Associates", "url" : "https://csacyber.com/blog/author/cyber-security-associates" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-06T14:22:59.445Z", "datePublished" : "2023-01-17T05:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "The use of Cyber Warfare alongside Kinetic Warfare", "image" : [ "https://csacyber.com/hubfs/cyber-warfre.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://csacyber.com/blog/the-use-of-cyber-warfare-alongside-kinetic-warfare", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://csacyber.com/hubfs/csacyber-logo-black-01.svg" }, "name" : "Cyber Security Associates Ltd" } } ```