GETTY Russian hackers have infected at least 500,000 devices with malicious malware

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Researchers at Cisco Talos said they had “high confidence” the Russian government was behind the malicious software, known as ‘VPN Filter’, as the software shares code similarities with other Russian spy tools previously used to attack Ukraine. The experts said the software tricks users into downloading security updates and is most probably designed to target industrial systems and electrical grids. The researchers said: “We have not completed our research, but recent events have convinced us that the correct way forward is to now share our findings so that affected parties can take the appropriate action to defend themselves. “Both the scale and the capability of this operation are concerning.

GETTY VPN Filter infections rose dramatically in Ukraine from May 8 onwards

Both the scale and the capability of this operation are concerning Cisco Talos researchers

“Working with our partners, we estimate the number of infected devices to be at least 500,000 in at least 54 countries. “Lastly, the malware has a destructive capability that can render an infected device unusable, which can be triggered on individual victim machines or en masse, and has the potential of cutting off internet access for hundreds of thousands of victims worldwide.” Martin Lee, technical lead for security research at Cisco Talos, also expressed his concerns, stating: “What is also worrying is that this malware has a module which targets MODBUS, a protocol used to operate industrial control systems which may be found in power stations or railway track point controls.” He also drew parallels between VPN Filter and a software used to target Ukraine’s power grid in 2015.

He said: "There are also similarities between this malware and the BlackEnergy attacks that previously affected electricity supply in Ukraine. “It is vital that organisations which protect industrial systems such as the water and electricity supply take the necessary steps to protect against attacks such as these.” The cybersecurity company said further attacks on Ukraine are likely, as the country has been in a long-term conflict with Russia over the annexation of Crimea and Russian-backed separatists in the country. The company reported a sudden increase in VPN Filter infections in Ukraine from May 8 onwards, and Ukraine’s SBU security service has already expressed concern Russia will conduct a cyber attack ahead of the Champions League final match taking place in Kiev this weekend.

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