"Microsoft: Russia Increasingly Timing Cyberattacks With Missile Strikes in Ukraine"

According to Microsoft, Russia is increasingly combining cyberattacks against Ukraine with conventional weaponry, such as missiles, in a multi-pronged offensive approach that could extend beyond the conflict's borders. Microsoft found that 55 percent of the 50 or so Ukrainian organizations hit by Russian malware since February support critical infrastructure such as energy, water, emergency services, and healthcare, all of which have been the target of intense missile strikes. In recent months, impacted organizations have largely been in and around the areas of the country's most intense physical conflict, such as Kyiv and the south. Microsoft has pointed to mounting evidence that Russia seeks to launch cyberattacks outside of Ukraine as cyber and kinetic attacks continue to line up. In addition to the ongoing bombardment of Ukrainian targets, these have caused strategic damage to the country's supporters. Attacks on European countries may be carried out to disrupt supply chains critical to maintaining support for Ukraine, according to Microsoft, citing recent warnings about the Prestige ransomware targeting Poland as evidence that such a campaign has already begun. Microsoft has warned that attacks on Ukraine's Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) will most likely continue throughout the winter. At the end of October, missile strikes left 80 percent of Kyiv without running water and 10 million premises without power, causing particular concern as Ukraine enters its coldest months. Russian cyberattacks on Ukraine have largely been carried out by the IRIDIUM threat group, which has close ties to Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate, known as the GRU. This article continues to discuss Russia combining cyberattacks with missile strikes against Ukraine. 

ITPro reports "Microsoft: Russia Increasingly Timing Cyberattacks With Missile Strikes in Ukraine"