Microsoft traces cyberattacks to new Russian military hacking group.
Microsoft has linked a new Russian GRU hacking group, Cadet Blizzard, to destructive data-wiping attacks in Ukraine that started in January 2022. The group is believed to have started operations in 2020, targeting government services, law enforcement, non-profit/non-governmental organizations, IT service providers/consulting, and emergency services in Ukraine. Microsoft assesses that Cadet Blizzard operations are associated with the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) but are separate from other known and more established GRU-affiliated groups. The group is active seven days a week and has conducted its operations during its primary targets' off-business hours when its activity is less likely to be detected.