Russian state-aligned groups have stepped up their cyberattacks against NATO countries in the past year, according to a senior British minister.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has said Nato countries are involved in a “hidden cyber war” with Russia. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden will warn in a major speech next week that Russia is prepared to launch a series of cyber attacks on Britain and other Nato members as it seeks to weaken support for Ukraine.

Pat McFadden will tell a Nato conference that Russia could try to attack British businesses and power grids.

An expert has warned that Russia has been at war with the United Kingdom ‘for years’. It comes as a government minister is set to warn Nato about a ‘wave of cyber attacks’ Russia could unleash on Britain,

Russia is prepared to launch a series of cyber attacks on Britain and other Nato members as it seeks to weaken support for Ukraine, a senior Cabinet minister will warn in a major speech next week. Moscow will “not think twice” about exploiting defence gaps to target UK businesses,