#183 - Hacker Holidays: When the lights went out in Ukraine (Part 1 & 2)

On this episode of The Cybersecurity Defenders Podcast, we share both parts of 'When the Lights Went Out in Ukraine.'

Beginning on January 13th, 2022, a Russian APT installed wiper malware on the IT networks of government, NGO, and IT companies across Ukraine. The malicious program was designed to appear like ransomware, but contained no recovery feature – it simply destroyed any computer it wished. Just one day later, hackers from the intelligence service of Belarus – Russia’s close ally – took down 70 websites belonging to the Ukrainian government. This was tilling – laying down the foundation for an all-out ground attack. Plastered on the 70 downed websites was a message from the attackers: “be afraid,” they wrote, and expect the worst.”

This episode was written by the talented Nathaniel Nelson, narrated by Christopher Luft, and produced by the team at LimaCharlie.

And a special thank you to Robert Lipovsky for sharing his first-hand knowledge.