The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested two hackers believed to have helped Ukrainian forces carry out cyberattacks against critical infrastructure in Russia.
The two suspects were taken into custody in two different regions of Siberia and face charges of high treason, which carries a prison of up to 20 years.
Critical infrastructure and networks in Russia affected by cyberattacks
The Russian security service explained in a press release that its officers arrested two hackers who either helped or joined Ukrainian hackers in carrying out attacks against Russia.
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One suspect is a student at the Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radio Electronics. According to Russian media, the young man helped Ukrainian hackers carry out cyberattacks on the networks of Russian intelligence structures.
The second suspect is a 36-year-old from the small town of Belovo and is believed to be a member of a Ukrainian cyber group.
According to the Russian FSB, he participated in hacking operations directed by Ukrainian forces that developed malware and disrupted critical infrastructure networks in Russia. The investigation showed that the suspect joined a group serving Ukrainian interests and communicated with other members via an online messaging.
According to Kommersant, a criminal case has been opened against the two hackers, under Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation:
“High treason, i.e. espionage, disclosure of state secrets or any other assistance provided to a foreign state, foreign organization or their representatives in hostile activities to the detriment of the external security of the Russian Federation, committed by a citizen of the Russian Federation, is punishable by deprivation of liberty for a term of 12 to 20 years […]“
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The FSB has previously arrested other people for providing information to Ukrainian forces.
The arrest of the two Russian hackers by the FSB will have significant implications for the overall cyberwar landscape between Russia and Ukraine. The arrests highlight the existence of strange relationships between the two countries, which could affect the security and political stability of both Russia and Ukraine. This reinforces the perception that the cyberwar between the two countries is much more complex and extensive.
The arrests could also lead to an increase in cyberattacks between the two countries, which could exacerbate existing tensions and insecurity , as cyberattacks could impact critical sectors such as energy and the economy.
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Finally, the arrest of these Russian hackers may lead to changes in government policy and legislation in Russia and Ukraine regarding cybersecurity. Authorities may step up their efforts to protect their critical infrastructure and political systems from cyberattacks and impose harsher sanctions on those responsible.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
