Microsoft warns of increased Russian cyberattacks on countries supporting Ukraine

[Tudor Cibean]

Bottom line: Microsoft claims it detected network intrusions from Russian hackers on systems belonging to government agencies, think tanks, humanitarian groups, as well as telecommunications, energy, and defense companies. Organizations from over 40 countries have allegedly been affected by these attacks since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

According to a new report by Microsoft, Russian intelligence agencies have significantly increased the frequency of their cyberattacks against countries allied with Ukraine. Russian hackers are not only targeting government systems but also other sectors that might have valuable information related to the war, such as think tanks, businesses, and aid groups.

The company has identified over 100 organizations from 42 countries outside Ukraine affected by these attacks. Over 60 percent of this activity reportedly involves NATO members, with the US being the primary target for Russian network intrusions. Cybercriminals are also focusing on Poland due to being a hub for delivering most of the military and humanitarian aid.

Interestingly, Estonia was an exception among Baltic states, as Microsoft didn't detect any Russian cyber intrusions since the invasion of Ukraine. The company says this is due to Estonia's adoption of cloud services, where it's allegedly easier to detect intruders.

Microsoft found that Russian hacks are successful 29 percent of the time, with a quarter of these successful attacks resulting in actors stealing data from an organization's networks.

Finally, Microsoft praised Ukraine's efforts in data safeguarding. Before the war, the country's public-sector digital infrastructure was running on servers physically located within its borders, making them vulnerable to missile attacks. The Ukrainian government quickly realized this was a massive vulnerability and worked to transfer its vital digital operations and data to the cloud, hosted in data centers across Europe.

Microsoft recently announced it's laying off hundreds of employees in Russia as it's winding down its business there. The company also recently blocked users in the country from downloading Windows from its servers.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/95077-microsoft-warns-increased-russian-cyberattacks-countries-supporting-ukraine.html

 

[ypsylon]

Well its nothing really new is it? All internet infrastructure of the Baltics, Finland, Poland and Ukraine is under constant Putler regime attack since he came to power so 20+ years.

He has some serious stick in his backside and time to relieve the pain.

What's surprising is that even Libya is targeted. This country is in total mess without any kind of government or order. What they want to steal? Sand?

 

[CowsGotMilk]

Maybe it's time to disconnect Russia from the free world internet?

 

[ypsylon]

Maybe it's time to disconnect Russia from the free world internet?

No. Because you then lose any chance of reaching people who know Putin's war is BS propaganda and in the end it's them who have to hang this SOB without turning whole planet into radioactive glass. And then how for example my Friend Kyril - which is mad World of Warcraft fan, paints WoW stuff like it's real live being, always wanted to work at Blizzard - is responsible for Putler crimes? He knows his life is ruined because he was too late to escape like others, for example also amazing WoW painter Oksana which fled to Tbilisi /Georgia/. Even if I wanted to help them get into EU, it's impossible because of sanctions, visas and other factors. People in Georgia especially know they're next on hit list.

 

[VitalyT]

This all sounds like yet another false information campaign, conducted by US + Ukraine, in the countless chain they have done so far, all to discredit Russia in every way they can. The very technique the US perfected in all other countries they screwed in the past.

 

[Rocky4040]

As someone else stated here maybe it's time to cut the cord from Russia and the rest of the world internet wise if they want to go about crap like this then it's time to free them of their internet and connected to the rest of the free world.

 

[TomSEA]

This all sounds like yet another false information campaign, conducted by US + Ukraine, in the countless chain they have done so far, all to discredit Russia in every way they can. The very technique the US perfected in all other countries they screwed in the past.

Yes, of course. Russia (Putin) are completely without fault. They are the choir children of the world and everyone else is complicit and filled with disinformation.

 

[RudyBob]

They are bad players

 

[VitalyT]

Yes, of course. Russia (Putin) are completely without fault. They are the choir children of the world and everyone else is complicit and filled with disinformation.

And flipping information to your advantage is another disgraceful practice. There was never any word in my post in relation to Putin, but you clearly want to come on top by twisting the message entirely. That's how cheap BS is propagated through the Internet. Well done!

 

[eTheBlack]

And flipping information to your advantage is another disgraceful practice. There was never any word in my post in relation to Putin, but you clearly want to come on top by twisting the message entirely. That's how cheap BS is propagated through the Internet. Well done!

" in the countless chain they have done so far, all to discredit Russia in every way they can". This was very obvious, that you think Russia is godlike country. Its not.

 

[Nobina]

Use pen and paper, problem solved.

 

[kiwigraeme]

I don't take this as bad news - ultimately we will end up with a better secured internet.
We also realize Russia doesn't have super magical powers . Ukraine on the whole is functioning fine.
Russia is playing a losing hand - they can't even use the info - their manufacturing base is pitiful
It's just a losers spoiling tactic
China however plays a much quieter more successful hand - stealing using etc
China's main fault is it's spying on people - that highlights it and annoys people

Lots of western countries have use industrial espionage - Germany , USA etc - some of it ordered by those high up in Corporations . Lots of intel is not illegal - company A orders x y & z , has executives flying to A B C

The point is even with lots of info and useless meddling and broken eggs on carpets and walls - Russia's economy is not going to get better - with brain drain , restrictions, no investment etc .
Why would a smart young Russian work in a corrupt company - where his work is a hide for stealing govt funding - when he/she could get a well paying job in Estonia/Germany ?

 

[Endymio]

Why would a smart young Russian work in a corrupt company - when he/she could get a well paying job in Estonia/Germany ?

Ignoring your begging-the-question on the morals of his employer, there are other problems with your analysis. For one, the Russian ruble is up an astounding 250% since early March, when sanctions were first enacted. Meaning that smart young Russian has seen his buying power vastly increased.

But there are larger factors beyond simple remuneration. In the early 1980s -- when the disparity in living standards between the USSR and the West were far larger than they are today -- Russia had the highest per-capita number of scientists, engineers and doctors in the world -- more than double the US's rate.

 

[Gastec]

This all sounds like yet another false information campaign, conducted by US + Ukraine, in the countless chain they have done so far, all to discredit Russia in every way they can. The very technique the US perfected in all other countries they screwed in the past.

Are you trolling us? Or maybe you are writing for the children who are being kept in the dark about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the slaughtering they do there.

 

[Gastec]

And flipping information to your advantage is another disgraceful practice. There was never any word in my post in relation to Putin, but you clearly want to come on top by twisting the message entirely. That's how cheap BS is propagated through the Internet. Well done!

You must really have a wish to be cancelled

 

[dangh]

For one, the Russian ruble is up an astounding 250% since early March, when sanctions were first enacted. Meaning that smart young Russian has seen his buying power vastly increased.

"Tell me you have no idea how economy works without telling me you have nop idea how economy works".

There are certain ways to create artificial value for a product. Russia has used them all. Have you heard a week or so afo US increased interest rate to 1.75%? This made US Dollar a bit stronger but put stock exchange many points down because this hinder investemnt.
Russia put interest ratio to 20% in March. Means, no one is going to borrow for investing, but everyone keeps money in bank. Economy is spiraling down, value of currency keeps somehow up.
That was one of few very drastic steps they took in attempt to squeeze their citizens and risk the whole economy balance. But hey, in worst case scenario they go 'full communism' mode and money won't be an issue, same as in North Korea. They'll be exchanging goats for rice.

Btw, Russia defaults on foreign debt first time in more than 100 years. But I guess that is as well very good, same, as currency value, lol

 

[kiwigraeme]

Ignoring your begging-the-question on the morals of his employer, there are other problems with your analysis. For one, the Russian ruble is up an astounding 250% since early March, when sanctions were first enacted. Meaning that smart young Russian has seen his buying power vastly increased.

But there are larger factors beyond simple remuneration. In the early 1980s -- when the disparity in living standards between the USSR and the West were far larger than they are today -- Russia had the highest per-capita number of scientists, engineers and doctors in the world -- more than double the US's rate.

Funny how no one wants to trade in Rouble - as it's now more mickey mouse than ever . Without even checking I know Russians are unable to take this mighty Rouble and buy as much US $ as they want ,

Yeah Life - expectancy is great - you should see the reports the proletariat give to the Commissars

 

[silversea]

I see all cyberattacks as the highest form of terrorism and should be treated as such, when caught all parties involved should be put to death no questions asked, if you do the crime you pay for it with your life, the justice system is way to soft and these stupid jerks know this, that is why cyber attacks are on the rise all governments need to get smart real quick.

 

[Mister_K]

What they want to steal? Sand?

Only if you are the Emirates.

 

[Endymio]

Funny how no one wants to trade in Rouble

Except China, India, Africa, and South America -- more than 2/3 of the world population.

Without even checking I know Russians are unable to take this mighty Rouble and buy as much US $ as they want

Had you checked, you'd have quickly found you were wrong. In fact, just since I posted yesterday, the ruble-to-dollar exchange rate has risen 15 more pips, and broken through its 5-year high.

"Tell me you have no idea how economy [sic] works without telling me you have nop [sic] idea how economy works ....

A week or so afo US increased interest rate to 1.75%? This made US Dollar a bit stronger. Russia put interest ratio to 20% in March. Means, no one is going to borrow for investing, but everyone keeps money in bank.

Oops! Had you actually thought through the reasoning in your post, you'd have seen your error. How does raising interest rates strengthen a currency? It tends to increase foreign investment.

But there's an even larger error in your assessment. The effect of interest rates on forex rates exists, but it is FAR outweighed by the primary factor -- the balance of payments. For example, you stated, "a week or so ago the US increased interest rates". Since then, the USD has actually declined against foreign currencies. To verify this, check the Dixie index (or any similar) which measures the dollar against a basket of foreign currencies.

In truth, the ruble has risen dramatically for one reason and one reason alone. Russia is selling record quantities of oil, gas, and metals -- their 3 primary economic drivers -- at record-high prices. Their balance of payments hasn't been this strong in decades.

 

[dangh]

Oops! Had you actually thought through the reasoning in your post, you'd have seen your error. How does raising interest rates strengthen a currency? It tends to increase foreign investment.

But there's an even larger error in your assessment. The effect of interest rates on forex rates exists, but it is FAR outweighed by the primary factor -- the balance of payments. For example, you stated, "a week or so ago the US increased interest rates". Since then, the USD has actually declined against foreign currencies. To verify this, check the Dixie index (or any similar) which measures the dollar against a basket of foreign currencies.

In truth, the ruble has risen dramatically for one reason and one reason alone. Russia is selling record quantities of oil, gas, and metals -- their 3 primary economic drivers -- at record-high prices. Their balance of payments hasn't been this strong in decades.

Nah. First of all dollar gained value because of ukrainian war affecting euro zone, which resultet in high inflation, and in the end European Central Bank surprising decission. Correction was inevitable.
Now, how does interest rate strengthen currency? that is how:
1 country increase interest rate
2 leads to better return on savings/bounds accounts
3 leads to money flow in to take advantage of the higher interest rate
4 leads to increased demand for currency
5 leads to higher appreciation for currency.

Sure, there ar other factions to count in, but with other factors _normalised_ higher interest rate _means_ strengthening currency value.
In addition, take a lok at Dixie Index. Compare dollar at 16th of June after a dip to 6th of June - Dollar actually kept getting stronger and still is much higher than 2 weeks before that dip. And then what happened that the Dollar increased so much after 8th of June? I guess you should know that.
Having this sorted in general, lets look at russia:
Russia went further - they increased madly interest rate and they prohibited selling bonds in non - rouble currency. Means, investors from China and India and other countries were forced to exchange their currencies to rouble first, additionally increasing the demand. What more, russia requested all russian companies to exchange 80% of their foreign currencies into rouble as well, dramatically increasing demand for rouble (and dramatically crippling those companies putrchasing/investing power), and one more thing was to prohibit any private exchange for foreign currencies (I think initially was allowed 10000$ maksimum, I believe they increased this value afterwards).
Sure, the sales of gas, oil and so on makes up a bit to that but it alone wouldnt be enough. They strangled their economy, companies and citizens to ensure they are able to keep currency value high. But this is collapsing their economy quite badly.

 

[Endymio]

Investors from China and India and other countries were forced to exchange their currencies to rouble ...Sure, the sales of gas, oil and so on makes up a bit to that but it alone wouldnt be enough...

Russian total exports, 2021: $489 billion.
Foreign investment into Russia, 2021: $1.2 billion.

It's clear your idea about "foreign investment" propping up the ruble is absurd. With increased oil and gas prices, Russia will nearly double its total exports this year, while foreign investment has shrank even further. Your statement is like claiming a Schwinn bicycle is faster than a Lamborghini, because the bicycle rider weighs five pounds less. And we all know driver weight affects speed, right?

 

[kiwigraeme]

Russian total exports, 2021: $489 billion.
Foreign investment into Russia, 2021: $1.2 billion.

It's clear your idea about "foreign investment" propping up the ruble is absurd. With increased oil and gas prices, Russia will nearly double its total exports this year, while foreign investment has shrank even further. Your statement is like claiming a Schwinn bicycle is faster than a Lamborghini, because the bicycle rider weighs five pounds less. And we all know driver weight affects speed, right?

So much winning
Russia has already defaulted on servicing debts
Try and be truthful - there is a limit to buying foreign currencies
The Rouble is artificially high -due to a lot of imposed measures
Same as Russian defaulting - I know Russia has ability to pay - But West made it hard to pay - so that headline is also not completely true .
If what you say is true Rouble rich Russians would be travelling like kings in the west going on shopping sprees . The IMac Pro M2 is so cheap now - because the mighty Rouble - inot happening - no one wants Mickey Mouse Money - Russian is just forcing people to buy it - pushing up it's price .
Plus so what you could make a Rouble valued at $1000 - but really Oil and Gas is tied to US $

Lots of Mickey Mouse governments set their exchange rates last Century .
Russia and China have fixed exchange rates - except Russian had a black market with a real rate that was not 30 roubles to the dollar at the time .

In NZ , UK etc foreign currency was controlled you apply to get X amount to import or travel - As a Russian you know this from your own history ( most russians could only go to Back Sea or Yugoslavia ) . Visa Cards etc made enforcement hard . Well Visa cards in Roubles are useless outside Russia except at very specific banks etc

 

[Endymio]

Try and be truthful - there is a limit to buying foreign currencies

Oops! Russia did impose such a limit in March. Less than a month later, it removed those restrictions:

April 8, 2022: The Central Bank of Russia said in a statement on its website on Friday that it has lifted temporary capital restrictions that ban individuals from buying foreign currency....

As for the belief that Russia's "high interest rates" are propping up the ruble, note this below. (Russia had previously cut the rate in both April and May as well):

The Central Bank of Russia cut its key interest rate to 9.5% during its June 2022 meeting, bringing borrowing costs back to levels prior to the Ukraine invasion