As Russia’s military grapples with Ukraine’s long-awaited counter-offensive, the country’s hackers have turned their gaze on the UK. 

More than a hundred thousand Britons last week had their data stolen by cyber criminals calling themselves Clop, the Russian word for a blood-sucking bedbug. 

The gang, which is well-known to cyber security researchers, raided major employers including British Airways, Boots and the BBC after exploiting a backdoor in software used by a payroll provider. 

Information stolen includes national insurance numbers and bank account details. 

The massive breach follows a similar attack by a Russian-speaking hacking group on Capita and highlights how criminal cyber gangs are stepping up attacks on the West under the watchful eye of Vladimir Putin. 

The Five Eyes nations – America, Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand – have warned that “Russian-aligned cybercrime groups” are threatening to “conduct cyber operations” against the West in retaliation for those countries’ support for Ukraine. 

Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden warned earlier this year about the rise of “ideologically motivated” hackers who are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure and major businesses in an effort to disrupt everyday life.