Microsoft Stops Russian Hacking Attempts on Conservative Sites

Microsoft revealed last Monday that its Digital Crimes Unit was able to stop Russian hackers from stealing user data from the websites of several conservative groups.

The DCU was able to stop a hacking group called Fancy Bear or APT28 from taking control of six domains that promote democracy and advocate for cybersecurity. Also called Strontium, the hackers are known to have ties to the Russian government.

Microsoft said that the groups could pose a security threat to the upcoming 2018 elections. However, the company clarified that they have no evidence the domains had been used in any successful attacks before the DCU’s intervention, nor did they have evidence to indicate the identity of the ultimate targets of any planned attack on the domains.

Source: Reuters