Moscow-based diplomats under scrutiny as Kremlin allegedly uses Internet Service Providers for spying, according to Microsoft's claims.
In a concerning development, a state-sponsored Russian cyber espionage group known as Secret Blizzard has been found exploiting internet service providers (ISPs) at the ISP level to conduct cyber-espionage campaigns. This group, linked to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), has been targeting foreign embassies and diplomatic personnel operating in Moscow [1][2][3][4].
How Secret Blizzard Operates at the ISP Level
The group uses an adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) position at the ISP level to gain access to foreign embassies' networks and deploy custom ApolloShadow malware [1][4]. They redirect targets through captive portals within the ISP network, tricking victims into downloading malware disguised as legitimate software, such as a fake Kaspersky antivirus update [1][4].
Once installed, ApolloShadow creates a trusted root certificate on victim devices, enabling the spyware to impersonate legitimate websites and intercept encrypted communications [1][4]. The malware also modifies system settings, creates persistent admin accounts, and enables file sharing for long-term access and intelligence gathering [4].
By controlling the ISP-level network, attackers can intercept, read, and manipulate communications between the victim and legitimate services invisibly, effectively harvesting credentials, confidential data, or injecting malicious content [2].
Recommended Security Measures
To protect against such AiTM attacks, organizations are advised to implement several security measures. These include:
- Use of end-to-end encrypted tunnels such as VPNs or transport layer security (TLS) to prevent interception at the ISP layer [4].
- Implementing zero-trust and least privilege access principles in IT infrastructure to limit damage if a device is compromised [4].
- Regular monitoring for unusual network redirects or certificate installations, which may indicate AiTM activity [1][4].
- Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect access credentials even if intercepted [2].
- Avoiding reliance on local ISPs’ default networks for sensitive communications when possible, or using secure, trusted external connections [1][3].
- Frequent security audits and updated endpoint protection to detect and remove custom malware like ApolloShadow [4].
This ongoing campaign, which has been active since at least 2024, underscores the need for strict network encryption and vigilant endpoint defense by targeted organizations [1][4]. By staying informed and implementing these security measures, organizations can better protect themselves against these sophisticated cyber threats.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4]
- The cybersecurity threat posed by Secret Blizzard highlights the importance of employing end-to-end encrypted tunnels like VPNs and TLS, as they can prevent interception at the ISP level.
- In the wake of this cybersecurity concern, organizations should implement zero-trust and least privilege access principles to minimize damage if a device is compromised.
- To combat AiTM attacks such as those from Secret Blizzard, regular monitoring for unusual network redirects or certificate installations is crucial to detect potential malicious activities.
