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Russian cyber group targets embassies in Moscow

Microsoft warns that the Russian group Secret Blizzard is hacking foreign embassies.

August 1, 2025 at 04:15 AM

Russian cyberspies hit embassies in Moscow, Microsoft reports

A new report reveals alarming cyber activities by a Russian state-sponsored group against foreign embassies.

Russian cyber group targets embassies in Moscow

Microsoft's Threat Intelligence has identified a state-sponsored cyberespionage group in Russia called Secret Blizzard. This group has been targeting foreign embassies in Moscow using a method known as "adversary-in-the-middle" to deploy its malware, named "ApolloShadow." Active since at least 2024, this campaign poses a serious risk to diplomatic operations in the city. The use of local internet providers makes embassies particularly vulnerable, as the group has demonstrated the capability to function at the Internet Service Provider level. This allows them to intercept communications directly, enhancing their ability to gather intelligence. Microsoft notes that the malware installs a trusted certificate on devices, enabling long-term access that is difficult to detect. Recommendations provided by Microsoft suggest diplomatic entities take extensive measures to protect themselves, such as using encrypted tunnels for internet traffic.

Key Takeaways

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Secret Blizzard is a major Russian state-sponsored cyber group targeting embassies.

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The group uses an adversarial technique to deploy its ApolloShadow malware.

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Embassies in Moscow face high risks due to reliance on local internet providers.

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Secret Blizzard operates at the ISP level, enhancing their interception capabilities.

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Malware allows persistent access through trusted root certificates on devices.

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Microsoft advises diplomatic entities to use encrypted connections for safety.

"This campaign poses a serious risk to diplomatic operations in the city."

This statement reflects the growing threat faced by embassies from state-sponsored cyber operations.

"The sophistication displayed by a group like Secret Blizzard indicates a commitment to escalating espionage efforts."

This highlights the increasing seriousness of cyber threats to international diplomacy.

The revelation about Secret Blizzard highlights an unsettling trend in cyber warfare. As state-sponsored actors increasingly target diplomatic entities, the implications for international relations grow more serious. The intersection of advanced hacking techniques with traditional diplomatic norms creates an environment of heightened risk for those relying on local infrastructures in adversarial countries. The sophistication displayed by a group like Secret Blizzard indicates a commitment to escalating espionage efforts, raising questions about the efficacy of current cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive data. Diplomatic channels may increasingly face challenges not just from political disagreements, but from the digital realm, complicating an already tenuous landscape of international diplomacy.

Highlights

This campaign puts diplomatic operations at serious risk.
Secret Blizzard's tactics reveal a new level of cyber warfare.
Conducting cyberspying at ISP level is a game changer.
Innovative defenses are crucial for protecting sensitive data.

High risk of diplomatic espionage

The ongoing campaign by Secret Blizzard poses a significant threat to diplomatic organizations in Moscow, particularly those utilizing local internet services.

As cybersecurity threats evolve, the need for stronger defensive measures has never been clearer.

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cyberespionage diplomacy malware russia microsoft cybersecurity politics technology

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