Russian hackers targeted US Senate, think tanks: Microsoft

WASHINGTON: Microsoft Corp charged that hackers connected to Russia's govt sought to launch cyber attacks on the United States Senate and conservative American think tanks, warning that Moscow is broadening attacks ahead of November's congressional elections.

The global's biggest tool company mentioned late on Monday that it closing week took keep watch over of six web domains that hackers had created to imitate websites belonging to the Senate and the think tanks. Users who visited the fake websites have been asked to enter login credentials.

It is the latest in a string of actions Microsoft has taken to thwart what it charges are Russian govt hacking makes an attempt. The company mentioned it has shut down 84 fake web pages in 12 court-approved actions over the past two years.

"We're concerned that these and other attempts pose security threats to a broadening array of groups connected with both American political parties in the run-up to the 2018 elections," Microsoft President Brad Smith mentioned in a blog post.

Microsoft mentioned it had no evidence that the hackers had succeeded in compromising any person credentials prior to it took keep watch over of the malicious websites.

The Kremlin rejected the Microsoft allegations and mentioned there was once no evidence to fortify them.

"We don't know what hackers they are talking about," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov instructed journalists. "Who exactly are they talking about? We don't understand what the proof and the basis is for them drawing these kind of conclusions. Such information (proof) is lacking."

Moscow has many times disregarded allegations that it has used hackers to influence US elections and political opinion.

The objectives, Microsoft mentioned, included the International Republican Institute, whose high-profile Republican board members include Senator John McCain of Arizona, who has criticized US President Donald Trump's interactions with Russia and Moscow's rights record.

The Hudson Institute, any other goal, has hosted discussions on topics including cyber security, in keeping with Microsoft. It has also examined the upward thrust of kleptocracy, especially in Russia, and has been essential of the Russian govt.

Other malicious domains have been used to imitate legitimate websites used by the United States Senate and Microsoft's Office tool suite, the company mentioned.

CYBER TENSIONS

Microsoft's file got here amid expanding tensions between Moscow and Washington ahead of midterm elections in November.

A US federal grand jury indicted 12 Russian intelligence officers in July on charges of hacking the pc networks of 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating Russia’s position in the 2016 election and whether Trump's campaign labored with Russians to sway the vote. Russia denies interfering in the elections and Trump has denied any collusion.


The type of attack is known as "spear fishing," through which the hackers trick victims into getting into their username and password into a faux website online with a purpose to thieve their credentials.


Facebook Inc mentioned late closing month it had removed 32 pages and faux accounts from its platforms in a bid to battle foreign meddling ahead of the United States votes.


The company stopped short of identifying the source of the misinformation. But members of Congress who have been briefed by way of Facebook at the subject mentioned the technique of the influence campaign advised Russian involvement.


Russian hackers targeted US Senate, think tanks: Microsoft Russian hackers targeted US Senate, think tanks: Microsoft Reviewed by Kailash on August 22, 2018 Rating: 5
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