FSB Cyber Espionage: The Secret Blizzard Strikes Again
Russia's FSB is utilizing internet service providers for cyber espionage against embassies in Moscow, according to Microsoft. The campaign involves the installation of malware using custom backdoors on targeted systems. The FSB's 'Secret Blizzard' hacking group has been linked to this ongoing espionage endeavor.
Microsoft has identified that one of the Russian government's elite cyber espionage units is launching malware attacks on embassies and diplomatic entities in Moscow through local internet service providers.
According to Microsoft Threat Intelligence, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) is now confirmed to be conducting such espionage activities within Russian borders. This revelation intensifies the growing pressure from Washington for Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war in Ukraine, alongside NATO's commitments to bolster defense spending in response to Russia.
The identified FSB cyber espionage campaign in February specifically targeted unnamed foreign embassies in Moscow, facilitating the installation of custom backdoors on compromised systems. These backdoors allow for further malware deployment and data theft, though the affected embassies remain undisclosed. The hacking group involved, known by Microsoft as 'Secret Blizzard' and elsewhere as 'Turla,' has a long history of targeting governments and journalists, underscored by the FBI disrupting one of its operations earlier this year.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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