Russians have been escalating their cyber-attacks on Ukraine since Russia’s military intervention in Crimea in 2014. The techniques used in these attacks are becoming more sophisticated and damaging, and Russia shows no signs of slowing down. Here are 10 ways Russia’s war on Ukraine is affecting cybersecurity:

1. Russia is using cyber-attacks to disable critical infrastructure.

In December 2015, Russia launched a cyber-attack that took out power for 225,000 people in Ukraine. This was done by infecting the computer networks of three regional energy distribution companies with malware, causing widespread blackouts.

2. Russia is carrying out cyber-espionage against Ukrainian targets.

In 2016, Russia was behind a string of cyber-attacks that targeted the Ukrainian government and military. The hackers were able to steal sensitive information, including documents on Ukraine’s missile defense system.

3. Russia is launching attacks that target critical infrastructure worldwide.

The NotPetya malware attack in 2017, which was attributed to Russia, caused billions of dollars in damage by infecting computer systems and encrypting data. The attack primarily targeted Ukraine but also impacted companies and organizations around the world, including Maersk, Merck, and FedEx.

4. Russia is using cyber-attacks to influence the outcome of elections.

In the lead up to the 2016 US presidential election, Russia carried out a series of cyber-attacks against the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton’s campaign. The hackers stole emails and other sensitive information, which was then leaked online in an effort to damage Clinton’s candidacy.

5. Russia is carrying out ransomware attacks against Ukrainian targets.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom be paid in order to regain access. In 2017, Russia carried out a ransomware attack against the Ukrainian energy ministry, which caused significant disruption.

6. Russia is targeting critical infrastructure with destructive malware.

In 2016, Russia used the BlackEnergy malware to carry out a series of attacks that destroyed data and equipment at Ukraine’s Prykarpattya Oblast regional power company. The attacks left 225,000 people without power.

7. Russia is engaging in cyber-warfare against Ukraine.

Russia’s military intervention in Crimea in 2014 was followed by a sharp increase in cyber-attacks against Ukraine. These attacks have included Denial of Service attacks, which are designed to take down websites and disrupt service.

8. Russia is using information warfare to sow discord in Ukraine.

In addition to carrying out traditional cyber-attacks, Russia has also been engaged in information warfare against Ukraine. This has involved spreading disinformation and propaganda online in an effort to create division and chaos.

9. Russia is exploiting social media platforms to carry out its attacks.

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become key battlefields in Russia’s war on Ukraine. Russia has used these platforms to spread disinformation, carry out cyber-attacks, and influence public opinion.

10. Russia’s attacks on Ukraine are having a ripple effect on cybersecurity worldwide.

The techniques Russia has used in its war on Ukraine are becoming more sophisticated and damaging, and they are being adopted by other actors. This is leading to a rise in destructive malware attacks, ransomware attacks, and election meddling around the world. As Russia’s attacks on Ukraine continue, the threat to cybersecurity will only grow.

So there you have it – Russia’s war on Ukraine is affecting cybersecurity in a variety of ways. As the conflict continues, we can expect to see more cyber-attacks, more election meddling, and more social media manipulation. The techniques Russia has pioneered in its war on Ukraine will continue to be used by other actors with increasingly damaging effect.

If you need help securing your organization against these threats, get in touch with a team of information technology security experts at Tech Rockstars. They can help you assess your risks, implement security best practices, and protect your data from Russia’s war on cybersecurity. For more information, visit their website at www.techrockstars.com today.