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Hacking Group Allegedly Connected to Russian Military Intelligence Carries Out Cyberattack on Ukraine’s Largest Mobile Network Operator

A hacking group believed to be linked to Russian military intelligence has been implicated in a devastating cyberattack on Ukraine’s leading mobile network operator, Kyivstar, according to officials from Kyiv’s cyber defence agency. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the disruption of essential services, the disabling of air raid alerts, and damage to the company’s IT infrastructure.

Kyivstar, which serves approximately 24.3 million mobile subscribers and over 1.1 million home internet users, fell victim to a cyberattack carried out by a group known as Solntsepyok. This group, described as “hacktivists,” has been identified as a front for the Russian hacking group named “Sandworm.” The latter has previously been associated with Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency, as confirmed by the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protectorate (SSSCIP) earlier this year.

According to Solntsepyok’s Telegram post, the group claimed responsibility for the attack on Kyivstar, boasting about the destruction of more than 10,000 computers and 4,000 servers. The attack targeted various crucial systems, including cloud storage and backup systems. In their statement, Solntsepyok justified their actions by stating that Kyivstar provides communication services to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as state bodies and security forces. They warned other supporting offices to be prepared for future attacks.

Despite the severe impact of the cyberattack, a source close to Kyivstar reported that military communications remained unaffected. However, the incident highlights the dangerous capabilities of Sandworm, which is renowned as one of Russia’s most powerful hacking groups. This group has previously targeted Kyiv’s energy sector through cyberattacks.

Ukraine’s SSSCIP, referring to Russia’s GRU, stated that responsibility for the cyberattack lies with a Russian group associated with the main directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The SSSCIP, along with the SBU intelligence agency, has initiated an investigation into the incident. They emphasized that the attack serves as further evidence of Russia’s utilization of cyberspace as a warfare domain against Ukraine, without specifically naming the group claiming responsibility.

A representative of the hacking group, Solntsepyok, confirmed their involvement in the attack and referred to documents posted by Kyivstar on their Telegram channel. This cyberattack marks one of the most significant incidents since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine commenced in February of the previous year.

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