Russian Hackers Launch Sophisticated Spear Phishing Campaigns Targeting US and UK Intelligence Communities

Russian hackers, including an officer from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), conducted a sophisticated spear phishing campaign targeting current and former employees of the U.S. intelligence community, defense contractors, and Energy Department facilities. The hackers used spoof email accounts to trick victims into providing login credentials. The operation also targeted think tank researchers, journalists, and politicians in the UK. The U.S. Justice Department blames the Russian government for the cyber campaign, which aimed to destabilize democratic processes. The FBI is tracking the hackers, and damage assessments are underway. The UK has detected similar cyber activity and has sanctioned two individuals while summoning Russia's ambassador.