Russian Hackers are Using Microsoft Windows to Spy

Russian Hackers are Using Microsoft Windows to Spy

The hackers are targeting the Ukrainian government, a European government agency, two European companies and a United States scholar

Russian Hackers are Using Microsoft Windows to SpyAccording to a report, Russian hackers are taking advantage of a bug in Microsoft Windows to spy on the Ukrainian government, a European government agency, two European companies, and a scholar living in the United States. iSight Partners, a cybersecurity intelligence firm release a reported in which they discovered the never-before-seen attack.

The bug hackers have used to spy on the governments and companies exists in all modern versions of Windows: Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1. It’s also present in 2008 and 2012, meaning the majority of the world’s computers – an estimated 68% -- are vulnerable to the attack. Microsoft has since launched a patch after seeing the report.

Hackers were spotted sending phishing emails to Ukrainian government officials. The emails included a malware-laced PowerPoint attachment which is tailored to spy on computers by steal emails and documents. iSight says the complexity of the attack leads them to believe Russian hackers with government ties were responsible.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

Featured

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • FlexPower® Global™ Series (FPG) from LifeSafety Power

    FlexPower® Global™ Series (FPG) from LifeSafety Power

    The FlexPower® Global™ Series (FPG) from LifeSafety Power—designed to provide DC power for access control systems in international applications—is now PSE listed for Japan and compatible with the country’s 100VAC applications. 3

  • Videoloft Cloud Video Surveillance VSaaS Solution

    Videoloft Cloud Video Surveillance VSaaS Solution

    Videoloft focuses on transforming traditional professional surveillance systems into cloud connected solutions via the Videoloft Cloud Adapter. 3

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3