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Russian hackers tried to hack WhatsApp, NGOs helping Ukraine were the target
Alert: Phishing messages often appeared in the name of a US government official and contained a QR code, which allegedly provided information about initiatives supporting Ukraine. Microsoft did not say whether these attempts were successful or not.
A hacking group linked to the Russian government has tried to steal WhatsApp data of employees of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) assisting Ukraine. This information has been given by Microsoft Corp. Microsoft researchers said in a blog post on Thursday that attackers associated with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) sent emails to specific targets, requesting them to join WhatsApp groups.
Phishing messages often appeared in the name of a US government official and contained a QR code, which allegedly provided information about initiatives supporting Ukraine. Microsoft did not say whether these attempts were successful or not.
According to Microsoft, these cyber attacks have been linked to a state-backed hacking group called "Star Blizzard". The Redmond, Washington-based company said the US Justice Department has seized or taken down 180 websites linked to the group since October.
A WhatsApp spokesperson told AFP that private conversations on WhatsApp are protected with end-to-end encryption and that the platform advises users not to click links from unknown people. The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately have a comment.
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US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in December the "Star Blizzard" group in which Ogurkov was found to have participated is "almost certainly" linked to Russia's FSB. CISA said the group has been "targeting attempts to compromise" American and British politicians, academics and people associated with the defense sector.
