Russian hackers tried to hack pro-Ukrainian WhatsApp accounts – Microsoft

A group of hackers allegedly linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) tried to steal the WhatsApp data of employees of non-governmental organizations that provide aid to Ukraine. This is reported by Microsoft, writes UNN.

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.