A group of hackers allegedly linked to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) tried to steal WhatsApp data from employees of non-governmental organizations providing assistance to Ukraine, Microsoft reports.
The cyberattacks, according to Microsoft, were organized by a group known as Star Blizzard, which is likely to be supported by the Russian state. The researchers found that the attackers sent phishing emails posing as representatives of the US government.
These messages invited recipients to join WhatsApp groups, allegedly to receive information about initiatives to support Ukraine. The emails contained QR codes that supposedly provided additional data, but were most likely used to steal confidential information.
Microsoft has not confirmed whether the hackers have successfully hacked into any systems. However, Microsoft noted that in cooperation with them, the US Department of Justice has already removed or blocked 180 Star Blizzard-related websites since October.