“Russian hackers tried to hack pro-Ukrainian WhatsApp accounts – Microsoft Star Blizzard, a hacking group linked to the FSB, tried to steal WhatsApp data from pro-Ukrainian organizations. The attackers used phishing emails with QR codes on behalf of the US government.”, — write on: unn.ua
Details
According to Microsoft, the cyber attacks were organized by a group known as Star Blizzard, which is believed to be operating with the support of the Russian state. Researchers discovered that the attackers were sending phishing emails posing as representatives of the US government.
In these messages, recipients were invited to join WhatsApp groups, ostensibly to receive information about initiatives to support Ukraine. The letters contained QR codes that purported to provide additional data, but were most likely used to steal sensitive information.
Microsoft has not confirmed whether hackers have successfully compromised any systems. However, Microsoft noted that, in cooperation with them, the US Department of Justice has already taken down or blocked 180 Star Blizzard-related websites since October.
We will remind
Russian deputies said there was a high probability of blocking WhatsApp due to the refusal to cooperate with the security forces. The messenger was included in the OPI registry, which allows the FSB to request encryption keys.