www.bleepingcomputer.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
104.20.59.209
Public Scan
URL:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/us-charges-4-russian-govt-employees-with-critical-infrastructure-hacks/
Submission: On April 18 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Submission: On April 18 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Form analysis 6 forms found in the DOM
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/search/
<form title="Search site" action="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/search/">
<input type="hidden" name="cx" value="partner-pub-0920899300397823:3529943228">
<input type="hidden" name="cof" value="FORID:10">
<input type="hidden" name="ie" value="UTF-8">
<input type="search" name="q" aria-label="Search Site" placeholder="Search Site">
</form>https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/search/
<form action="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/search/">
<input type="hidden" name="cx" value="partner-pub-0920899300397823:3529943228">
<input type="hidden" name="cof" value="FORID:10">
<input type="hidden" name="ie" value="UTF-8">
<input type="search" name="q" aria-label="Search Site" placeholder="Search Site">
</form>POST //bleepingcomputer.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346&id=30c98e654e
<form action="//bleepingcomputer.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346&id=30c98e654e" method="post" target="_blank" novalidate="">
<input type="email" name="EMAIL" aria-label="Enter email address" placeholder="Email Address...">
<div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;"><input type="hidden" aria-hidden="true" name="b_3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346_30c98e654e" tabindex="-1" value=""></div>
<input type="submit" value="Submit" class="bc_sub_btn">
</form>POST //bleepingcomputer.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346&id=30c98e654e
<form action="//bleepingcomputer.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346&id=30c98e654e" method="post" target="_blank" novalidate="">
<input type="email" aria-label="Enter email address" name="EMAIL" placeholder="Email Address...">
<div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;"><input type="hidden" aria-hidden="true" name="b_3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346_30c98e654e" tabindex="-1" value=""></div>
<input type="submit" value="Submit" class="bc_sub_btn">
</form>POST https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=global§ion=login&do=process&return=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/us-charges-4-russian-govt-employees-with-critical-infrastructure-hacks/
<form
action="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=global&section=login&do=process&return=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/us-charges-4-russian-govt-employees-with-critical-infrastructure-hacks/"
method="post">
<div class="bc_form_feild">
<label for="ips_username">Username</label>
<input aria-label="Enter login name" title="Enter login name" type="text" id="ips_username" name="ips_username" autocomplete="username">
</div>
<div class="bc_form_feild">
<label for="ips_password">Password</label>
<input aria-label="Enter login password" title="Enter login passwod" type="password" id="ips_password" name="ips_password" autocomplete="current-password">
</div>
<div class="bc_form_feild">
<div class="bc_remember">
<input id="remember" type="checkbox" name="rememberMe" value="1" checked="checked">
<label for="remember">Remember Me</label>
</div>
<div class="bc_anon">
<input id="anonymous" type="checkbox" name="anonymous" value="1">
<label for="anonymous">Sign in anonymously</label>
</div>
</div>
<div class="bc_btn_wrap">
<input type="hidden" name="auth_key" value="880ea6a14ea49e853634fbdc5015a024">
<input type="submit" aria-label="Login to site" title="Login" value="Login" class="bc_sub_btn">
<a aria-label="Sign in with Twitter" href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=global&section=login&serviceClick=twitter&return=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/us-charges-4-russian-govt-employees-with-critical-infrastructure-hacks/" class="bc_twitter_btn"><img src="https://www.bleepstatic.com/images/site/login/twitter.png" width="28" height="24" alt="Sign in with Twitter button"> Sign in with Twitter</a>
<hr>
<p>Not a member yet? <a aria-label="Register account" title="Register account" href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=global&section=register">Register Now</a></p>
</div>
</form><form>
<input type="hidden" id="comment-id-report" value="0">
<ul>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Spam">Spam</label>
</li>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Abusive or Harmful">Abusive or Harmful</label>
</li>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Inappropriate content">Inappropriate content</label>
</li>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Strong language">Strong language</label>
</li>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Other">Other</label>
</li>
<li id="comment-report-other-reason-wrap" style="display:none;">
<textarea aria-label="Enter other reason for reporting the comment" rows="2" cols="2" id="comment-report-other-reason"></textarea>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Read our <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/posting-guidelines/">posting guidelinese</a> to learn what content is prohibited.</p>
</form>Text Content
WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY
We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies
and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information
sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement,
and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products.
With your permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation data and
identification through device scanning. You may click to consent to our and our
partners’ processing as described above. Alternatively you may access more
detailed information and change your preferences before consenting or to refuse
consenting. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not
require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing. Your
preferences will apply to this website only. You can change your preferences at
any time by returning to this site or visit our privacy policy.
MORE OPTIONSAGREE
*
*
*
*
*
*
* News
* Featured
* Latest
* GitHub: Attacker breached dozens of orgs using stolen OAuth tokens
* Cisco vulnerability lets hackers craft their own login credentials
* T-Mobile customers warned of unblockable SMS phishing attacks
* Karakurt revealed as data extortion arm of Conti cybercrime syndicate
* Beanstalk DeFi platform loses $182 million in flash-load attack
* Manage your passwords with an Enpass lifetime subscription deal
* Customize Windows 11 experience with these apps
* Microsoft: Office 2013 will reach end of support in April 2023
* Downloads
* Latest
* Most Downloaded
* Qualys BrowserCheck
* STOPDecrypter
* AuroraDecrypter
* FilesLockerDecrypter
* AdwCleaner
* ComboFix
* RKill
* Junkware Removal Tool
* Virus Removal Guides
* Latest
* Most Viewed
* Ransomware
* How to remove the PBlock+ adware browser extension
* Remove the Toksearches.xyz Search Redirect
* Remove the Smashapps.net Search Redirect
* Remove the Smashappsearch.com Search Redirect
* Remove Security Tool and SecurityTool (Uninstall Guide)
* How to remove Antivirus 2009 (Uninstall Instructions)
* How to Remove WinFixer / Virtumonde / Msevents / Trojan.vundo
* How to remove Google Redirects or the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using
TDSSKiller
* Locky Ransomware Information, Help Guide, and FAQ
* CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ
* CryptorBit and HowDecrypt Information Guide and FAQ
* CryptoDefense and How_Decrypt Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ
* Tutorials
* Latest
* Popular
* How to make the Start menu full screen in Windows 10
* How to install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime
* How to open an elevated PowerShell Admin prompt in Windows 10
* How to Translate a Web Page in Google Chrome
* How to start Windows in Safe Mode
* How to remove a Trojan, Virus, Worm, or other Malware
* How to show hidden files in Windows 7
* How to see hidden files in Windows
* Deals
* Categories
* eLearning
* IT Certification Courses
* Gear + Gadgets
* Security
* Forums
* More
* Startup Database
* Uninstall Database
* File Database
* Glossary
* Chat on Discord
* Send us a Tip!
* Welcome Guide
* Home
* News
* Security
* US charges 4 Russian govt employees with critical infrastructure hacks
* AddThis Sharing Buttons
Share to FacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterShare to
LinkedInLinkedInShare to RedditRedditShare to Hacker NewsHacker NewsShare to
EmailEmail
*
US CHARGES 4 RUSSIAN GOVT EMPLOYEES WITH CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE HACKS
By
SERGIU GATLAN
* March 24, 2022
* 05:57 PM
* 2
The U.S. has indicted four Russian government employees for their involvement in
hacking campaigns targeting hundreds of companies and organizations from the
global energy sector between 2012 and 2018.
"In total, these hacking campaigns targeted thousands of computers, at hundreds
of companies and organizations, in approximately 135 countries," the Department
of Justice said.
The Department of Justice unsealed two indictments on Thursday, one from June
2021 and one from August 2021, charging one employee of the Russian Federation
Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics (TsNIIKhM) and
three officers of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).
PLAY Top Articles Video Settings Full Screen About Connatix V159142 Read More
Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More Customize Windows 11
experience withthese apps 1/1 Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad Visit
Advertiser websiteGO TO PAGE
Evgeny Viktorovich Gladkikh, a computer programmer at TsNIIKhM, and
co-conspirators were behind attacks that caused two emergency shutdowns at a
Middle East-based refinery facility between May and September 2017.
They did that by hacking the refinery's systems and installing malware known as
Triton or Trisis on Schneider Electric Triconex Tricon PLCs used by safety
systems.
The malware infects the Triconex Tricon PLCs by modifying in-memory firmware,
which allowed the attackers to add additional programming and control the
compromised systems remotely.
Subsequently, the group also tried to hack into the systems of a U.S. refinery
between February and July 2018.
Pavel Aleksandrovich Akulov, Mikhail Mikhailovich Gavrilov, and Marat
Valeryevich Tyukov, the ones charged in August 2021, were officers in Military
Unit 71330 or 'Center 16' of the FSB.
They were also part of a hacking group tracked under multiple names, including
Dragonfly, Berzerk Bear, Energetic Bear, and Crouching Yeti.
Wanted posters (FBI)
THE FSB "DRAGONFLY" HACKING CAMPAIGNS
Between 2012 and 2017, the three FSB hackers and their team were behind multiple
breaches and supply chain attacks targeting ICS or Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) systems used in the international energy sector, including
oil and gas firms, nuclear power plants, as well as utility and power
transmission companies.
In the first campaign, which took place between 2012 and 2014 and is known as
Dragonfly or Havex, they infiltrated the networks of multiple ICS/SCADA system
manufacturers and software providers and infected legitimate software updates
with the Havex remote access Trojan (RAT).
Together with spearphishing and "watering hole" attacks, this supply chain
attack enabled them to infect more than 17,000 unique devices in the United
States and worldwide with malware.
Between 2014 and 2017, as part of the Dragonfly 2.0 campaign, they switched to
spearphishing attacks and targeted over 3,300 users at more than 500 U.S. and
international companies and entities, including U.S. government agencies such as
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
"Russian state-sponsored hackers pose a serious and persistent threat to
critical infrastructure both in the United States and around the world," said
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco.
"Although the criminal charges unsealed today reflect past activity, they make
crystal clear the urgent ongoing need for American businesses to harden their
defenses and remain vigilant."
CISA, the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Energy also published a joint
cybersecurity advisory detailing the state-sponsored Russians' hacking campaigns
targeting the U.S. and international Energy Sector, including oil refineries,
nuclear facilities, and energy companies.
The U.S. Department of State is offering a reward of up to $10 million for any
information leading to the identification or location of state-sponsored Russian
hackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.
RELATED ARTICLES:
US Treasury: Russia may bypass sanctions using ransomware payments
US, UK link new Cyclops Blink malware to Russian state hackers
US eases sanctions that may lead to Russia's Internet isolation
US disrupts Russian Cyclops Blink botnet before being used in attacks
US says Kaspersky poses unacceptable risk to national security
* Critical Infrastructure
* FSB
* Government
* Russia
* USA
* Facebook
* Twitter
* LinkedIn
* Email
*
SERGIU GATLAN
Sergiu Gatlan is a reporter who covered cybersecurity, technology, Apple,
Google, and a few other topics at Softpedia for more than a decade. Email or
Twitter DMs for tips.
* Previous Article
* Next Article
COMMENTS
* AMIGO-A - 3 WEEKS AGO
*
*
Thanks, interesting story.
When I read news like this, i.e. about people whose names become known
(unless, of course, they are taken from social networks and are not fake),
the following always intrigues me.
If they are engaged in hacking on the instructions of military structures,
then they are restricted to travel abroad. If they know "such" secrets, then
they are a priori forbidden to travel abroad many years ahead.
If they act at their own peril and risk, or perform the task of private
companies, then they can go abroad. Of course, they can be banned from
traveling to some countries, but they can travel to others as tourists.
But... why do they go to those countries against which they acted in
cyberspace? This is contrary to common sense. It is unlikely that they want
to be arrested and convicted.
Or is it the work of a corporation of fakes... And the named persons are
generally "simple divers", as in the story with NotPetya Ransomware.
* DRAGS - 3 WEEKS AGO
*
*
To gain access to some networks you need to be "on site" or have local access
in that sense.
Also, many countries setup scape goats in order to get the actual
perpetrators back into action.
POST A COMMENT COMMUNITY RULES
YOU NEED TO LOGIN IN ORDER TO POST A COMMENT
Not a member yet? Register Now
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Popular Stories
* GitHub suspends accounts of Russian devs at sanctioned companies
* Customize Windows 11 experience with these apps
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
To receive periodic updates and news from BleepingComputer, please use the form
below.
Latest Downloads
* Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Version: 4.5.2
4M+ Downloads
* Malwarebytes for Mac
Version: 4.14
35,329 Downloads
* Windows Repair (All In One)
Version: 4.12.4
2M+ Downloads
* AdwCleaner
Version: 8.3.1.0
56M+ Downloads
* Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
Version: NA
5M+ Downloads
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
* Follow us:
*
*
*
*
MAIN SECTIONS
* News
* Downloads
* Virus Removal Guides
* Tutorials
* Startup Database
* Uninstall Database
* File Database
* Glossary
COMMUNITY
* Forums
* Forum Rules
* Chat
USEFUL RESOURCES
* Welcome Guide
* Sitemap
COMPANY
* About BleepingComputer
* Contact Us
* Send us a Tip!
* Advertising
* Write for BleepingComputer
* Social & Feeds
* Changelog
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Ethics Statement
Copyright @ 2003 - 2022 Bleeping Computer® LLC - All Rights Reserved
LOGIN
Username
Password
Remember Me
Sign in anonymously
Sign in with Twitter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not a member yet? Register Now
REPORTER
HELP US UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS COMMENT?
* Spam
* Abusive or Harmful
* Inappropriate content
* Strong language
* Other
*
Read our posting guidelinese to learn what content is prohibited.
Submitting...
SUBMIT