The article outlines a number of new findings on how Russian hackers operated during the war in Ukraine and what might happen next. Microsoft experts warn that tactics of combining physical military operations with cyber forces repeat the actions of the Russian Federation before a full-scale invasion.
Russian hackers are preparing a new wave of cyberattacks against Ukraine, including a consumer threat to organizations serving Ukrainian supply lines, according to a Microsoft research report reported by Reuters on March 15.
“Since January 2023, Microsoft has monitored the adjustment of Russia’s cyber threat activity to enhance its disruptive and intelligence-gathering capabilities on the civilian and military assets of Ukraine and its partners,” the report said. One group “seems to be preparing for another devastating campaign.”
Western security officials say the findings came as Russia dispatched new troops to the battlefield in eastern Ukraine.
Experts say that the tactic of combining physical military operations with cyber technology repeats Russia’s previous activities.
“Combining cyberattacks with attempts to disrupt or disable defenders’ ability to coordinate and use cyber-dependent technologies is not a new strategic approach,” said Emma Schroeder, deputy director of the Atlantic Council’s Cyber-State Development Initiative.
Microsoft found that a particularly experienced Russian hacking team, known in the cybersecurity research community as Sandworm, is testing “additional consumer software-style capabilities that could be used for disruptive attacks against organizations outside Ukraine that perform important procurement functions in Ukraine.”
what are consumer programs
These are special programs that hack organizations using phishing campaigns, exploiting vulnerabilities of devices connected to the Internet, and using separately purchased credentials. A consumer attack usually consists of hackers who infiltrate an organization, encrypt its data and charge a fee to restore access. Consumers have historically been used as a cover for more malicious cyber activity, including so-called cleaners that simply destroy data.
Meanwhile, on February 23, 2022, a massive attack took place on the websites of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On March 15, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that the Russian army had begun to prepare for a counterattack against the Ukrainian Armed Forces: the invaders were digging trenches and building fortifications.
At the same time, Ukrainian officials are unsure of the success of the UAF counterattack, according to The Washington Post on March 14. According to anonymous sources, the loss of the Ukrainian side is less than that of the enemy, but the most experienced fighters die or are injured on the battlefield.
Also on March 5, expert Roman Svitan said that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will not be able to conduct offensive operations in Ukraine during the spring melt and lack of bullets. In this regard, the RF Armed Forces began to use aviation, which led to daily air strikes.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.