The hacking group associated with the extremist insurgents of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and beyond), Cyber Caliphate has struck several Russian websites since the autumn of last year.
The way hackers operate is to breach and destroy websites, sharing their exploits on social media.
Researchers from the security company Group-IB based in Moscow have been observing attackers for some time and recording their methods.
According to the researchers, in addition to Cyber Caliphate, there are three other groups (Team System Dz, FallaGa Team, and Global Islamic Caliphate), which have more than 40 people supporting ISIS and who are associated with these malicious activities.
These groups often claim that they are responsible for the defacement of a large number of websites worldwide. Since the beginning of the year, the FallaGa Team has destroyed more than 300 websites belonging to businesses and organizations in France, after the Charlie Hebdo incident.
The list of their targets does not appear to follow a specific pattern as the websites that have been attacked belong to various entities. The researchers at Group-IB have identified several banks, construction companies, government agencies that are affected by the attacks.
They add that among the victims there are also high schools and scientific centers, such as the North Urals Local History Museum, the “Mitischy” portal and the Ufa High School.
“Russian Internet security services and Russian companies should not underestimate the capabilities of ISIL, as their attacks are beyond all logic and are aimed at maximum social impact,” said Ilya Sachkov, CEO and co-founder of the company.
Also add that the attacks by ISIS's internet groups, combined with training and fanaticism, could lead to more sophisticated and harmful actions on critical infrastructure and industrial systems.
