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Risky Bulletin

Between Two Nerds: Setting Europe ablaze with cyber criminals

Sep 23, 2024
Tom Uren, a cybersecurity analyst, and The Grugq, a renowned expert in information security, delve into the evolving landscape of cybercrime linked to Russia. They discuss new reports on Russia's formation of cyber groups composed of criminals, which blurs the lines between state-sponsored operations and underground activities. Key topics include the strategic differences between U.S. and Russian cyber tactics, the effectiveness of simple phishing operations, and the historical context of Russia's cyber evolution and recruitment methods.
28:26

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Quick takeaways

  • Russia's Unit 29155 exemplifies a shift towards integrating cyber operations into military strategies for espionage and disruption.
  • The contrasting strategic cultures highlight Russia's operational flexibility in cyber warfare, allowing rapid adaptation compared to U.S. compartmentalization.

Deep dives

Russian Unit 29155 and Offensive Cyber Operations

Russian military intelligence's Unit 29155 is known for engaging in various covert activities such as attempted coups, sabotage, and assassination operations throughout Europe. This unit has expanded its capabilities to include offensive cyber operations since at least 2020, indicating a strategic shift towards leveraging cyber tools for espionage and disruption. The unit employs active duty officers under the guidance of experienced leadership, reflecting a practical approach where junior members gain skills by participating in cyber intrusions. By relying on non-GRU hackers and cybercriminals, they effectively expand their operational capacity while maintaining a level of deniability in their actions.

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