A grand jury in Maryland has indicted six Russian nationals for conspiracy to engage in computer hacking and wire fraud.

The indictment, which was unsealed today, accuses the men of orchestrating a series of cyberattacks targeting Ukrainian government networks, raising tensions amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Among the accused are GRU officers

The indictment highlights the involvement of five officers from Unit 29155 of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), the military intelligence agency of the Russian Armed Forces.

The officers, Yuri Denisov, Vladislav Borokov, Denis Denisenko, Dmitry Goloshubov, and Nikolay Korchagin, are accused of carrying out an elaborate execution. Hacking A campaign against the Ukrainian government system.

A civilian accomplice, Amin Sitgal, who was already indicted on similar charges, is also implicated.

According to court documents, hackers used malware known as “WhisperGate” to infiltrate and disrupt Ukrainian government networks.

This malware, masquerading as ransomware, was designed to destroy data and corrupt computer systems.

Targeted institutions include critical infrastructure and non-military government departments, such as the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Education and Science.

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International efforts and rewards for justice

gave of the US Department of State The Rewards for Justice program has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identity or location of the suspected hackers.

The initiative marks an international effort to combat cyber threats and hold perpetrators accountable.

“Today’s indictment underscores our commitment to use all available tools to disrupt malicious cyber activity and hold perpetrators accountable,” said Matthew G. Olson, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division.

The Department of Justice and international partners are committed to thwarting the destructive activities of Unit 29155 and similar entities.

The indictment is part of “Operation Toy Soldier,” an international effort involving the FBI and partners from nine countries. A joint Cybersecurity An advisory has been issued to strengthen network defenses against such malicious activities.

Broader implications and future risks

The hacking campaign extended beyond Ukraine’s borders, targeting computer systems in countries supporting Ukraine, including the United States and 25 other NATO countries.

The indictment alleges that the hackers probed various secure systems from August 2021 to February 2022 in search of vulnerabilities.

“The FBI and our law enforcement partners, both national and international, will collectively defend against Russia’s aggressive and illegal actions,” said William J. Del Bagno, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. said

The agency is committed to identification, prosecution and future prevention. Cyber ​​threats.

The indictment is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cyberwarfare and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

As digital threats continue to shape the geopolitical landscape, international cooperation in protecting national security and protecting the global digital infrastructure is imperative.

The FBI Baltimore Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from the Milwaukee and Boston Field Offices.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron S. J. Zielinski and Robert I. Goldars are leading the prosecution, supported by the National Security Cyber ​​Section of the National Security Division.

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