Pentagon-Linked Defense Contractors and Subcontractors Targeted by Russian Hackers, US Intelligence Says

Pentagon-linked defense contractors and subcontractors have been the target of Russian hackers for the past two years, as per US authorities. The attempt of the hackers was reportedly to "steal sensitive data and information."

US Intelligence Community Released a Joint Alert Via CISA

According to the story by Gizmodo, US intelligence community members released a warning in a joint alert via CISA that was published just recently regarding their observation. As per the warning, the community members note that they have observed "regular targeting" of certain US-cleared defense contractors of different sizes.

The hacking spree reportedly goes all the way back to the first month of 2020. As per the officials, the hackers have reportedly "employed basic but effective hacking techniques which include credential harvesting, spear phishing, brute force attacks, as well as some other "typical intrusion techniques".

Hackers Appear to Target 'Sensitive Information'

Acquiring "sensitive information" appears to be the main goal of the particular hacking campaign. The sensitive information that the hackers were looking for was said to be about certain things like US weapons and other sensitive information, as per the article by Gizmodo.

Here's What the Russian Hackers Appeared to be After:

• "US weapons and missile development"

• "Intelligence"

• "Surveillance"

• "Reconnaissance capabilities"

• "Vehicle and aircraft design"

• "Command"

• "Control"

• "Communications systems"

'State-Sponsored Hacking Controversies' Started Surfacing Last Year

The recent occurrence is just one of the latest additions to cyber-espionage directed at the US. The article by Gizmodo notes that this is "becoming more and more regular", as seen in a separate incident with "suspected Chinese hackers" trying to "breach more US defense and tech", according to an article by CNN.

Numerous "state-sponsored hacking controversies" have surfaced in 2021, which includes the dreaded hacking campaign of SolarWinds, which was, "said to have involved Russian state-sponsored actors."

What the Hackers were Trying to Steal

As per the alert, the information acquired gives the hackers "significant insight into US weapons platforms development and deployment timelines" along with "plans for communicating infrastructure," "vehicle specifications," and even "information technology."

The warning noted that by having access to the "proprietary internal documents and email communications," the "adversaries" could make military adjustments when it comes to plans and priorities, speed up their technology development efforts, "inform foreign policymakers of US intentions," as well as "target potential sources for recruitment."

Read Also: 500K Addresses Exposed After QR Registration Bungle: Defense Sites, Domestic Violence Shelters, and a Missile Maintenance Unit Compromised

Gizmodo's Take on the US Intelligence Warning

The article by Gizmodo notes that when simplified, the warning sounds like the hackers were able to get some "pretty useful intel." To add, it was noted that the timing was quite off when it comes to releasing the information due to the US and Russia being currently "locked in an ugly diplomatic struggle over the political future of Ukraine."

The US also gave a warning that cyberattacks launched from Russia could not only try to attack Ukraine "but also" US-based entities.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Urian B.