The UK, the US, and Canada have accused Russia of trying to steal information from researchers developing a vaccine against COVID-19, AP reported.

The three countries said the APT29 hacker group - also known as Cozy Bear and said to be part of the Russian intelligence service - is targeting academic and pharmaceutical research institutions developing COVID-19 vaccines.

The UK's National Cybersecurity Centre has issued this statement, which has been agreed with the US and Canadian authorities.

However, it is unclear if any of the information was actually stolen, but the National Cybersecurity Centre maintains that sensitive information of individuals is not considered compromised.