Connect with us

Business

Cyber Criminals Are Increasingly Helping Russia And China Target The US And Allies, Microsoft Says

Published

2 months ago

on

microsoft | Reuters Image

Washington — Russia, China, and Iran are increasingly depending on criminal networks to lead cyber espionage and hacking operations against foes such as the United States, according to a report on digital threats issued by Microsoft on Tuesday.

The growing collaboration between authoritarian governments and criminal hackers has alarmed national security officials and cybersecurity experts, who say it demonstrates the increasingly blurred lines between actions directed by Beijing or the Kremlin to undermine rivals and the illegal activities of groups typically more interested in financial gain.

In one case, Microsoft analysts discovered that a criminal hacking gang linked to Iran penetrated an Israeli dating site and attempted to sell or ransom the personal information it gathered. Microsoft found that the hackers had two motives: to shame Israelis and to gain money.

microsoft

Cyber Criminals Are Increasingly Helping Russia And China Target The US And Allies, Microsoft Says

In another case, investigators discovered a Russian criminal network that entered more than 50 electronic devices used by the Ukrainian military in June, ostensibly seeking access and intelligence to aid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Aside from any cash received from Russia, the group had no evident financial objective.

For countries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which have their own ties to hacking groups, collaborating with cybercriminals provides a convenient solution that benefits both parties. Governments can increase the number and efficacy of cyber actions without incurring additional costs. For criminals, it opens up new options for profit while also promising government protection.

“We’re seeing in each of these countries this trend towards combining nation-state and cybercriminal activities,” said Tom Burt, Microsoft’s vice president of consumer security and trust.

So far, there is no proof that Russia, China, or Iran are sharing resources or collaborating with the same criminal networks, Burt stated. However, he added the expanding use of private cyber “mercenaries” demonstrates how far America’s adversaries will go to weaponize the internet.

Microsoft’s analysis examined cyber threats between July 2023 and June 2024, focusing on how criminals and foreign governments use hacking, spear phishing, malware, and other ways to obtain access and control of a target’s system. According to the corporation, its consumers experience around 600 million such instances each day.

Russia concentrated much of its cyber activities on Ukraine, attempting to obtain access to military and government networks and spreading disinformation to erode support for the conflict among its supporters.

Ukraine has replied with its own cyberattacks, including one last week that brought some Russian official media outlets offline.

Networks linked to Russia, China, and Iran have also targeted American voters, spreading false and misleading information about the 2024 election via phony websites and social media accounts. Analysts at Microsoft agree with US intelligence officials who think Russia is targeting Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, while Iran is seeking to defeat former President Donald Trump.

Iran has also hacked Trump’s campaign in a failed attempt to pique the attention of Democrats in the material. Federal officials have also accused Iran of surreptitiously financing American protests against the Gaza war.

As election day approaches, Russia and Iran are likely to step up their cyber activities against the United States, according to Burt.

Meanwhile, China has mostly avoided the presidential contest, focusing its disinformation efforts on down-ballot races for Congress or state and municipal politics. Microsoft discovered that networks related to Beijing continue to target Taiwan and other nations in the area.

Cyber Criminals Are Increasingly Helping Russia And China Target The US And Allies, Microsoft Says

In response, a spokeswoman for China’s embassy in Washington stated that charges that China collaborates with hackers are false and accused the US of disseminating “disinformation about the so-called Chinese hacking threats.”

In a statement, spokesman Liu Pengyu stated, “Our position is consistent and clear.” China strongly condemns and combats all types of cyber assaults and theft.

Russia and Iran have also denied allegations that they use cyber operations to target Americans. Messages left with spokespeople from those three countries and North Korea were not immediately returned on Monday.

Efforts to disrupt foreign misinformation and cyber capabilities have grown in tandem with the threat, but the anonymous, porous character of the internet can sometimes undermine the effectiveness of the response.

Federal authorities recently revealed measures to take hundreds of internet domains used by Russia to promote election disinformation and facilitate hacking activities against former US military and intelligence officials. However, analysts from the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab discovered that webpages taken by the government can be readily rebuilt.

Within one day after the Department of Justice taking multiple domains in September, analysts discovered 12 new websites that had been launched to replace them. They are still operating one month later.

SOURCE | AP

Related Topics:

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

Continue Reading

Business

Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists

Published

1 day ago

on

2024-12-21

By

Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog Merchandise are hot Christmas Items

Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.

Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.

Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.

Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.

Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.

Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.

Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.

sonic the hedgehog 4

Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.

The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.

The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.

The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.

They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.

Related News:

Man Creates Candy Cane Car to Spread Christmas Cheer

Continue Reading

Business

Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout

Published

2 days ago

on

2024-12-20

By

Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union
Teamsters members were demonstrating at "hundreds" of other Amazon locations.

An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.

The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.

According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.

The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.

It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.

Amazon Strike at 10 Locations

Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.

The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.

The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.

Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.

Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.

Stalled Contract Negotiations

Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.

However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.

Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.

Related News:

Amazon Releases Nova, a Fresh Set of Multimodal AI Models.

Continue Reading

Business

Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.

Published

2 days ago

on

2024-12-19

By

Amazon

(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.

The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.

The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.

Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.

The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.

Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.

Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.

“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.

“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.

The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.

The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.

Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.

Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.

Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.

In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.

The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.

In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.

“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”

The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.

SOURCE: NPR

SEE ALSO:

SoftBank Is Courting Trump With a Proposal To Invest $100 Billion in AI.

TVA News Montreal Becomes Most-Watched News Source in Quebec

 

Continue Reading

Trending