Federal prosecutors say they’re looking for a Russian civilian who allegedly hacked dozens of Ukrainian government agencies in the lead-up to the 2022 invasion.
Amin Stigal, 22, is wanted for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and damage, for his alleged role in the cyberattacks, the Department of Justice said after it unsealed the indictment Wednesday.
The DOJ alleged that Stigal supported the Russian GRU’s activities by setting up infrastructure for them to conduct cyberattacks, and is alleged to have used a so-called “WhisperGate” malware to target the government entities that included military units and critical infrastructure systems.
Amin Timovich Stigal in an FBI wanted poster.
FBI
The malware would make it appear to victims as if they were being targeted in a ransomware attack, when their data had actually been deleted and their systems rendered inoperable, according to the indictment.
Prior to installing the malware, prosecutors claim Stigal and his co-conspirators would exfiltrate data from their targets and would post it for sale on the internet, in order to “sow concern” among Ukraine’s citizens regarding the safety of their personal information in advance of Russia’s invasion, the indictment states.
In a January 2022 cyberattack, the hackers compromised computers that hosted information including criminal records, patient health data and motor vehicle insurance information, prosecutors allege.
The hackers then allegedly posted a message on Ukraine’s government website reading, “Ukrainians! All information about you has become public, be afraid and expect the worst. This is for your past, present and future,” according to the indictment.
Prosecutors also accuse the group of hacking into an unnamed central European country’s transportation infrastructure in October 2022 that had supported Ukraine, and claim they also “probed systems” in the United States, including an unnamed government agency in Maryland.
The indictment does not state if the American agency’s systems were infiltrated or otherwise affected by the group’s malware.
A $10 million reward is being offered for information that leads to Stigal’s capture, according to the Justice Department.
In a significant development in the ongoing saga of cyber warfare between Russia and Ukraine, the United States Justice Department has charged a Russian individual for allegedly hacking into Ukraine’s government systems in 2022. The indictment marks a notable escalation in the international tensions surrounding cyber attacks and highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the modern world.
According to the Justice Department, the Russian individual, whose name has not been disclosed, is accused of carrying out a sophisticated hacking operation targeting Ukrainian government networks. The indictment alleges that the hacker gained unauthorized access to sensitive information and attempted to disrupt Ukraine’s government operations.
The timing of the alleged hacking is particularly significant, as it comes amidst heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The two countries have been engaged in a protracted conflict since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, and cyber attacks have become an increasingly common tool in their ongoing struggle for dominance.
The charges against the Russian individual underscore the growing threat posed by state-sponsored cyber attacks. In recent years, governments around the world have increasingly turned to cyber warfare as a means of exerting influence and achieving strategic objectives. The targeting of critical infrastructure, government systems, and other sensitive networks has become a key tactic in this new era of conflict.
The indictment also highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting against such attacks. As governments and organizations become more reliant on digital technology, they must also be vigilant in safeguarding their networks from malicious actors. The consequences of a successful cyber attack can be devastating, with potential impacts ranging from financial losses to national security threats.
In response to the growing threat of cyber attacks, governments and organizations are investing heavily in cybersecurity measures. From improved encryption protocols to advanced threat detection systems, there is a concerted effort to bolster defenses against malicious actors. However, as the case of the alleged Russian hacker demonstrates, the challenge of securing digital networks remains an ongoing struggle.
As the international community grapples with the implications of state-sponsored cyber attacks, the case of the Russian individual charged by the Justice Department serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by malicious actors in cyberspace. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in defending against this new frontier of warfare. Only by working together to strengthen cybersecurity defenses can we hope to mitigate the risks posed by cyber attacks and safeguard our digital future.
