Final answer:
The increased cyber activity by Russia prompted NATO officials to brand them as "patriotic hackers".
The answer is ⇒Option 1: Russia.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Increased cyber activity: The statement suggests that Russia has shown a rise in their cyber activity. This means that there has been an increase in their engagement in cyber-related actions, such as hacking or cyberattacks.
2. Branding as "patriotic hackers": As a result of this increased cyber activity, NATO officials have labeled the hackers from Russia as "patriotic hackers." The term "patriotic" implies that these hackers are acting in support of their country, Russia, and its interests.
3. Implications of the branding: By using the term "patriotic hackers," NATO officials are highlighting the belief that the cyber activities conducted by Russia are not simply individual or rogue actions but are connected to the state's objectives. This branding suggests that the hackers are acting with the intention of advancing Russia's interests in the cyber realm.
The answer is ⇒Option 1: Russia.