Russian hackers have attacked the logistics infrastructure of NATO countries in an attempt to disrupt aid deliveries to Ukraine. They also attempted to hack surveillance cameras on Ukraine’s borders.
This was reported by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) under the Department of Homeland Security.
According to the report, since late February 2022, a unit of Russia’s GRU – the 85th Main Special Service Center (military unit 26165), also known as Fancy Bear, APT28, Forest Blizzard, or BlueDelta – has ramped up cyber operations targeting the infrastructure of NATO countries.
The hackers’ primary targets were logistics companies, IT firms, and transportation infrastructure involved in coordinating, transporting, and delivering foreign assistance to Ukraine.
They carried out cyberattacks on companies in NATO member states, Ukraine, and international organizations. The affected companies were involved in:
- Defense Industry
- Transportation and Transportation Hubs (ports, airports, etc.)
- Maritime
- Air Traffic Management
- IT Services
The report also notes that thousands of IP cameras at border checkpoints and railway hubs were compromised, giving Russian intelligence the ability to monitor humanitarian aid convoys in real time.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has urged private companies involved in aid delivery to "take immediate steps to protect themselves."
“In addition to attacks on logistics companies, operatives from Unit 26165 (of Russia’s GRU) likely used access to private surveillance cameras in key locations such as border crossings, military facilities, and railway stations to track the movement of aid to Ukraine. They also utilized municipal services, such as traffic cameras,” intelligence officials reported.
According to intelligence, around 10,000 cameras were installed near military facilities and railway stations for monitoring the movement of supplies to Ukraine, 80% of which were located in Ukraine and 10% in Romania.
Cyberattacks affected at least 13 NATO countries, including Czechia, Germany, Poland, Romania, the United States, as well as Ukraine.
