Russian Cyberwar Ambitions Leaked

More than 5,000 pages of documents from a Moscow-based contractor offer insight into the planning and training of Russian security services, including the notorious hacking group Sandworm.

Recently, a group of documents detailing the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by the Russian government in its cyber warfare campaigns have been leaked to the press. The documents, which have been dubbed the Vulkan Files, offer fascinating insights into the inner workings of Russia's cyberwarfare machine and the extent of its capabilities.

The documents were initially obtained by an anonymous source who leaked them to the media. They consist of several hundred pages of technical specifications, operational plans, and training manuals, all of which provide an unprecedented view of how Russia conducts its cyber operations.

Vulkan Files: Leaked Russian Documents Offer Insights into Russia's Cyberwarfare Machine

One of the most significant revelations contained in the Vulkan Files is the extent to which the Russian government has invested in developing its cyber capabilities. According to the documents, Russia has established a vast network of cyber operatives, many of whom are highly skilled and well-trained. The documents also suggest that Russia has invested heavily in developing new cyber weapons and tools, many of which are designed to evade detection by traditional security measures.

The leak offers a rare window into the secret corporate dealings of Russia's military and spy agencies, including work for the notorious government hacking group Sandworm. U.S. officials have accused Sandworm of twice causing power blackouts in Ukraine, disrupting the Opening Ceremonies of the 2018 Winter Olympics and launching NotPetya, the most economically destructive malware in history. One of the leaked documents mentions Sandworm's numerical designation for its military intelligence unit, 74455, suggesting that Vulkan was preparing software for use by the elite hacking squad.

Another key finding of the Vulkan Files is that Russia's cyber operations are highly coordinated and often involve multiple agencies and departments within the government. The documents detail how different parts of the government work together to carry out cyber attacks, with each agency playing a specific role in the overall operation. This level of coordination and integration suggests that Russia's cyber capabilities are not simply the work of a few rogue actors but are part of a broader national strategy.

The documents also shed light on some of the specific tactics and techniques used by Russian cyber operatives. For example, the documents describe how Russian operatives use social engineering and other psychological tactics to gain access to sensitive information. They also provide detailed information on how Russia carries out "watering hole" attacks, in which hackers compromise a legitimate website and use it to distribute malware to visitors.

Russain Backed Actors Used Telegram to Fuel Anti-Ukrainian Sentiment

The report also found that Russian-backed actors used Telegram, a popular social media platform, to spread disinformation including that the Ukrainian government was corrupt and incompetent, as well as to fuel anti-Ukrainian sentiment.

The leak of the Vulkan Files has raised concerns among cybersecurity experts and government officials around the world. Many fear that the information contained in the documents will be used by other nations or non-state actors to develop their own cyber capabilities. Others worry that the leak will escalate tensions between Russia and other countries, particularly the United States.

In response to the leak, the Russian government has denied any involvement in cyber attacks and has accused the media of spreading misinformation. However, the sheer volume of technical detail contained in the documents suggests that they are likely genuine and were produced by a knowledgeable and experienced source.

The Vulkan Files provide a rare and fascinating insight into the inner workings of Russia's cyber warfare machine. They reveal the extent of Russia's investment in developing its cyber capabilities, the high level of coordination and integration between different parts of the government, and the specific tactics and techniques used by Russian operatives.