The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said on 18/7 that the hacker group APT 28, part of Unit 26165 of Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), developed sophisticated malware called Authentic Antics.
The software displays fake windows to trick users of Microsoft cloud accounts into logging in, thereby stealing their information. "The UK condemns Russian military intelligence for using spyware," the announcement stated.
The UK Foreign Office announced sanctions against three GRU units – 29155, 26165, and 74455 – and 18 of its officers. These individuals are accused of supporting attacks on Mariupol during the conflict in Ukraine, as well as spying on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia before they were poisoned with Novichok in the UK in 2018.
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GRU logo in an illustrative image taken on 6/5. Photo: Reuters |
GRU logo in an illustrative image taken on 6/5. Photo: Reuters
London also accused Units 29155, 26165, and 74455 of targeting media outlets, telecommunications providers, and energy infrastructure in the UK and across Europe.
In addition to the measures targeting the GRU, the UK Foreign Office also announced sanctions against three leaders of the "Africa Initiative". This organization, according to the UK, produces social media content and is funded by Russia to conduct information campaigns in West Africa.
"Russian agents are conducting a campaign to destabilize Europe, undermine Ukraine's sovereignty, and threaten the safety of British citizens," said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
The Russian embassy in London has not yet commented on the information.
The UK has repeatedly accused Russia of hostile actions, ranging from traditional espionage to covert sabotage. Earlier this month, three men were convicted of setting fire to a business with Ukrainian connections in London. UK police accused these individuals of acting on instructions from the Russian private military company Wagner.
Moscow has dismissed similar accusations as politically motivated and asserts that Russia does not pose a threat to the UK.
Pham Giang (Reuters)
