Russian Hackers Use Phishing Tactics to Steal WhatsApp Data from Ukraine Workers

Microsoft reports that a hacking group linked to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) is trying to steal WhatsApp data from workers at NGOs that help Ukraine. In a blog post, Microsoft announced that the attackers, connected to the Star Blizzard hacking group, tricked their victims using fake emails. The emails looked like they came from a U.S. government official and had QR codes saying to provide information about aid efforts for Ukraine.

Star Blizzard, which is believed to be supported by the government, is known for looking for possible targets on social media, pretending to be people you trust, and creating fake email accounts. Microsoft has not said whether the attacks broke into any systems, but they highlighted that the group has a past of going after important people in the U.S. and the UK, like politicians, researchers, and defence workers.

Since October, the U.S. Justice Department and Microsoft have acted against Star Blizzard by taking control of or closing down 180 associated websites. WhatsApp, which protects user data with end-to-end encryption, recommended that users not click on unverified links and only trust people they know.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently connected Star Blizzard to the FSB and warned about its sophisticated social engineering methods. These events show that there are ongoing computer threats targeting organisations helping Ukraine during current political conflicts.

Source : www.gadgets360.com