Executive Summary

Recent cyber attacks on cultural institutions, including the Internet Archive, national libraries (London Public Library, Calgary Public Library, various libraries in British Columbia, the Toronto Public Library), as well as national museums in Europe and North America, go beyond simple ransom attempts and represent a significant threat to democratic resilience and cultural preservation. These attacks are likely part of a broader strategy to disrupt and undermine societal trust. We assess that these cyber attacks are part of Russia’s broader active measures programs, targeting cultural heritage to rewrite historical narratives and destabilize adversaries. The increasing frequency and impact of these attacks could lead to the classification of cultural institutions as critical infrastructure, necessitating enhanced cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to safeguard cultural and democratic assets.

Cover Image from – Norse