Microsoft warns that Russian hackers have escalated cyberattacks by using stolen emails from executives to broaden their scope. The cybercriminal group named Midnight Blizzard has accessed source code repositories and internal systems after compromising email accounts belonging to company executives.
Microsoft’s Security Response Center revealed that the hackers have increased certain attacks by as much as 10-fold in February compared to the already significant volume seen in January. The company has taken action to prevent further unauthorized access and is actively assisting customers whose information may have been compromised.
In January, Microsoft disclosed that a small percentage of corporate email accounts were impacted by a hack orchestrated by Russia-affiliated threat actors. The hackers targeted individuals on the senior leadership team and other employees, including cybersecurity and legal personnel.
Despite Microsoft’s efforts to mitigate the attack, Midnight Blizzard has shown a sustained commitment to infiltrating the company’s systems. The hackers are believed to be supported by the Kremlin, along with several other threat groups engaged in cyber warfare.
As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, companies like Microsoft face unprecedented challenges in defending against sophisticated nation-state attacks. The company’s response to the ongoing cybersecurity threat highlights the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among organizations to protect sensitive information from malicious actors.
