Russia Tied to Ukrainian Military Recruit Malware Targeting

Mathew J. Schwartz reports:

Potential Ukrainian military recruits are being targeted with malware and anti-mobilization messaging through legitimate Telegram channels.

A report from Google’s Threat Intelligence Group attributes the “hybrid espionage and information operation” to a suspected Russian group, codenamed UNC5812, whose Telegram persona goes by the handle “Civil Defense.”

Telegram remains a vital source of information for many Ukrainians – as Russia continues its war of conquest against the country – and so is a target for the Kremlin’s disinformation campaigns and other malign influence efforts.