UK calls out Russian military intelligence for use of espionage tool

The UK government has today (18 July) exposed Russian military intelligence actors for using previously unknown malicious software to enable espionage against victim email accounts.

The National Cyber Security Centre – a part of GCHQ – has revealed for the first time that the cyber threat group APT 28 has been responsible for deploying a sophisticated malware dubbed AUTHENTIC ANTICS as part of its operations. The UK has previously said APT 28 is part of Russia’s GRU 85th Main Special Service Centre, Military Unit 26165. 

The attribution comes as the UK government sanctions three GRU Units: 26165, 29155 and 74455 and 18 GRU officers and agents for their part in cyber and information interference operations across the globe in support of wider Russian geopolitical and military objectives. The Strategic Defence Review identified the most acute threat as that posed by Russia.

Read more at National Cyber Security Centre