RUSSIA has developed a "Covid for computers", which uses porn to disable laptops and phones.
The potent piece of malware - which Russia has been perfecting over two decades - could infect millions of personal devices across the UK.
Keyboard warriors from Russia's spy agencies the FSB and GRU are poised to unleash a wave of cyberattacks in retaliation to crippling Western sanctions, according to a former cyber spy.
They told the : "One click on an enticing video is enough to introduce malware into your computer or mobile.
"The advice for safe cyber sex is the same as for real sex - use protection."
Users are being urged to install the latest security software on devices to ward off any attack.
People are also being told to keep all sensitive information on a laptop not linked to the internet so viruses cannot destroy it.
Experts have warned that such an attack would have devastating consequences for Britain's economy and the public.
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Analysis from the Sunday Times shows the malware has the potential to shut off access to the internet - which means no Google, Instagram or any messaging services.
It would also see cash machines pulled offline and a complete disabling of computers that would leave people unable to check bank accounts.
Water supplies and power network could also be cut off, experts say.
Danny Lopez, head of cybersecurity at Glasswall, said today's interconnected digital world has made debilitating attacks easier to execute.
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"The main objective of a cyberattack is to cause maximum disruption, confusion, fear and chaos," he told the Sunday Times.
He said any such attacks would target "critical infrastructure" such as the supply of energy, electricity, gas, water and transport.
"A power cut, or, say, a loss of critical record access at a hospital, for instance, could unfortunately have a serious impact on our lives," he said.
It comes as the National Cyber Security Centre registered 777 attempted breaches of critical infrastructure last year as Russian, China, North Korea and Iran allegedly tried to infiltrate four in ten businesses.
Small businesses and people without an understanding of cyber protection are most at risk.
It comes as...
- Boris Johnson is to present a six-point plan of action to world leaders on how to deal with Putin
- Ukraine claims it has now killed 11,000 Russian soldiers as yesterday nine of Putin's aircraft were shot down
- Putin issued a direct threat to the UK as he raged at sanctions "akin to a declaration of war"
- SAS and US commandos are reportedly training for a rescue mission to save President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Visa and Mastercard suspended operations in Russia dealing Putin another major blow
- Cancer-stricken kids are trapped in war-torn Ukraine - as doctors tell them the bombs are just fireworks
- Heartbreaking pictures show the extent of Ukraine's refugee crisis - with 1.5million fleeing for their lives
- British firms helping Putin's henchmen must face the full force of the law, said David Davis MP
The Sun can reveal British cyber intelligence is on high alert anticipating that hackers will infiltrate remaining Ukrainian networks, NATO systems or Whitehall computers.
The senior intelligence source said they were “braced” for retaliation but was surprised it had not yet happened.
Last week NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned a hack attack on allied nations could spark a wider war.
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The Senior Intelligence source said: “We’re braced for a cyber attack
“We know they have experience and capability in this area, but we can’t work out why they haven’t done it yet.”