Skepticism about Russian Internet Cutoff, Backpack Nukes, and Cybersecurity Awards

What We're Reading, Hearing and Watching -- July 13, 2023

Did Russia Really Test a Cutoff of the Russian Internet on July 4?

Russia’s Internet watchdog, Roskomnadzor, claimed on July 5 that on the previous night it had conducted a planned drill to test its ability to cut off the entire Russian Internet from the global Internet in case of outside attack. Some observers, however, showed skepticism. International relations analyst Oleg Shakirov, for example, wrote on July 6, “Please don't take Russian (or anyone's) claims about testing 'disconnection from the global Internet' at face value. Always remember about incentives within the system to exaggerate one's work. There are plenty of reports that there were [sic] no universal break in connectivity.” Shakirov noted that disruptions at Russian Railways were not likely part of the test cut-off as reported; they had lasted several days, Russian Railways attributed them to a cyber attack, and pro-Ukrainian hacktivists took credit for them. Twitter user @Cyberknow20, a widely cited account that tra…