**EU Authorities Dismantle Pro-Russian Hacking Group**
In a major blow to cybercrime, the European Union’s anti-crime agencies Europol and Eurojust have announced the dismantling of a pro-Russian hacking network. The group, known as NoName057(16), was responsible for carrying out cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Europe.
According to Europol, authorities conducted 24 raids in 12 countries between July 14 and 17. This led to two arrests, one in France and another in Spain. Seven arrest warrants were also issued, targeting six individuals in Russia, including two central figures in the criminal network. The investigation was carried out by a coalition of 12 countries, including Czechia, Finland, Germany, and Sweden.
The hacking group was allegedly responsible for carrying out an average of 73 denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks per day. These attacks targeted Ukraine first, but later shifted focus to Kyiv’s European and NATO allies. The cyber group also carried out attacks on Europe’s electricity suppliers and public transport systems.
**A Threat to Global Security**
The dismantling of NoName057(16) is a significant development in the fight against cybercrime. Russia has been accused of launching thousands of cyberattacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022. These attacks have targeted power grids, telecom networks, and financial systems, aimed at disrupting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
The Kremlin has also been accused of targeting Ukraine’s Western allies, attempting to disrupt military supplies for the embattled country and damage Western resolve. The dismantling of NoName057(16) is a major blow to these efforts and highlights the importance of international cooperation in fighting cybercrime.
**A Step Towards Holding Russia Accountable**
The announcement by Europol and Eurojust marks a significant step towards holding Russia accountable for its actions in cyberspace. As the world grapples with the consequences of global cyberattacks, it is essential that countries work together to combat this threat.
In a statement, Europol said, “The actions led to the disruption of an attack-infrastructure consisting of over one hundred computer systems worldwide, while a major part of the group’s central server infrastructure was taken offline.” This is a testament to the determination of European authorities to protect their citizens from cyber threats.
As we move forward in this complex and ever-evolving landscape, it is crucial that we continue to collaborate and share intelligence to stay ahead of these malicious actors. The dismantling of NoName057(16) serves as a reminder that global security depends on our collective efforts to combat cybercrime.
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