During May 2016, British energy companies and other critical infrastructure were targeted, reportedly by hackers connected to Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU). The attack targeted energy networks running the national grid in the Republic of Ireland, which also covers Northern Ireland. Security analysts believe the hackers intended to access control systems using a massive spear phishing operation. Emails disguised as job applications and complaints were sent to engineers who had access to the control systems. While no disruption was caused, according to British media, “a number of Industrial Control System engineering and services organisations are likely to have been compromised.”