07/20/2020
Russian hackers suspected of trying to snoop into Covid vaccine studies
Russian cyber-hackers target drug companies and medical research centers working on coronavirus vaccines in the United Kingdom, say security officials in that country and ours. They describe persistent, continuing efforts to swipe research data. "It is completely unacceptable that the Russian intelligence services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic," says the foreign secretary in London. America and Canada also warn about Kremlin-backed cyberattacks against organizations involved in the coronavirus response -- mischief that Moscow officials deny. "Russia has nothing to do with these attempts," insists a government spokesman.
■Class discussion: Do the warnings from London, Washington and Ottawa seem believable? Why or why not? What makes medical research information valuable? List possible risks if Covid vaccine study data is stolen. Would you volunteer to help test a vaccine before it's approved for everyone? Why or why not?