A new report by Microsoft has exposed how Russia, China, and Iran are increasingly enlisting criminal networks to conduct cyberespionage and hacking operations against nations they consider hostile, such as the U.S.
The revelation underscores the blurring of lines between state-directed activities and the illicit pursuits of cybercriminals, causing concern for national security officials and cybersecurity experts alike.
The report reveals how authoritarian governments are leveraging the skills of criminal hackers to enhance their cyber capabilities without incurring additional costs.
For these states, the partnership increases the scale and effectiveness of cyber operations, while providing hackers with new opportunities for profit and a semblance of official protection.
One striking case highlighted by Microsoft involved a criminal group with ties to Iran that successfully infiltrated an Israeli dating site, attempting to sell or ransom the personal data it obtained.
This operation appears to have dual motives: to embarrass Israelis and generate financial gain.
In another incident, …