The United States has seized 41 internet domains allegedly used by Russian intelligence agents to target the computers and email accounts of US government employees, including those at the Pentagon and State Department. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that the Russian government used legitimate email accounts to trick victims into revealing account credentials.
The domains were part of an ongoing spear-phishing campaign by the “Callisto Group,” a unit of the Russian Federal Security Service. Targets included US-based companies, former intelligence community employees, and staff at the Department of Defense and State.
Microsoft also took action, seizing 66 domains used by the Callisto Group’s “Star Blizzard” operation. This group targeted civil society organizations, journalists, and NGOs with spear-phishing campaigns.
Two alleged Callisto members were indicted for hacking into networks in the US, UK, NATO countries, and Ukraine. Despite these actions, the suspects remain in Russia. The UK has accused the FSB of interfering in its political processes.
Source link