According to a report in the Washington Post, the source of the attacks remains unconfirmed. Affected parties, however, are blaming the Kremlin which they claim is attempting to stifle opposition views in the lead up to the Russian elections.

The Kremlin denies any wrongdoing.

The assaults appear similar in nature to those perpetrated against Estonia’s government-run and private IT infrastructures in April and early May, following a dispute with neighbouring Russia regarding the location of a Red Army war memorial. At the time the Estonian government blamed Russia.

Later research by security specialists suggested the attacks were perpetrated by a loosely federated group of political activists.

Information Age Today: Russia launches cyber assault

Information Age Today: Political activists blamed for cyber assault  

Information Age Today: Web app brings cyber terror to the masses

Information Age analysis: Cyber assault