Nation states buying hacking tools from underground Russian cyber forums

Nation states buy malware on Russian forums for data-wiping attacks, pretending to be cyber criminals for deniability. Russian forums, like Exploit existing since 2000, offer hacking tools and services, including AI and deep fake technologies. Check Point found evidence of nation state interest, particularly for wiper software, suggesting higher budgets and strategic use of cybercrime tools for espionage and sabotage, blending legitimate security tools to avoid detection. Russian cybercriminals, profiting from these forums, enforce strict membership with vetting, showcasing a rich ecosystem of hacking services, including ransomware as a service, while avoiding attacks on Russian-speaking countries to maintain immunity and promote Russian interests.

Opens on Computer Weekly