Russia just gave North Korea's internet a big boost
North Korea's cyber wars As the U.S. cracks down on North Korea, Russia is giving the rogue state a cyber lifeline. Russian state-owned company TransTeleCom has provided a new internet connection to Kim Jong Un's regime, according to North Korea monitoring project 38 North. Cybersecurity experts have also confirmed the new Russian link. The move strengthens North Korea's cybersecurity capabilities at a time of heightened tensions with the U.S. and also reduces its reliance on China. Previously, North Korean internet traffic was funneled through one sole link, provided by Chinese telecommunications firm China Unicom, according to experts. Now, it's got some backup from Russia. Related: North Korea is trying to amass a bitcoin war chest That's significant at a time when the U.S. is ramping up pressure on Chinese companies to sever business ties with North Korea over its missile and nuclear tests. "This new link means two companies would have to cut...