NCSC Warns Organizations of Imminent Cyber Threats from Russia’s SVR

In a stark warning that reverberates across the global cybersecurity landscape, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has alerted organizations to brace themselves for potential online attacks orchestrated by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). This advisory comes in light of a joint report from U.S. security agencies, which has identified over 20 publicly disclosed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the notorious hacking group APT29, also known as Midnight Blizzard, the Dukes, or Cozy Bear.

The Threat Landscape: APT29 and Its History

APT29 has been a persistent threat actor since at least 2021, targeting a wide array of organizations across the United States, Europe, and beyond. Its primary focus has been on sectors critical to national security and economic stability, including defense, technology, and finance. The group gained notoriety for its involvement in the 2019 SolarWinds supply chain compromise, which affected more than 18,000 companies globally. Additionally, APT29 was implicated in cyberattacks aimed at organizations involved in the development of COVID-19 vaccines in 2020, showcasing its capability and intent to disrupt vital services and information.

The NCSC’s advisory highlights that the current objectives of APT29 are aligned with Russia’s geopolitical ambitions, particularly in relation to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. By collecting foreign intelligence, the group aims to bolster its cyber operations and enhance its strategic positioning.

Techniques and Tactics Employed by APT29

APT29 employs a diverse array of tactics to infiltrate its targets. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Spear-Phishing: Targeted email attacks designed to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.
• Password Spraying: A method where attackers attempt to gain access to accounts by trying a small number of common passwords across many accounts.
• Abuse of Supply Chain: Exploiting trusted relationships between organizations to gain unauthorized access.
• Custom Malware: Developing bespoke malware tailored to specific targets to evade detection.
• Cloud Exploitation: Taking advantage of vulnerabilities in cloud services to gain access to sensitive data.
• Living Off the Land: Utilizing existing tools and services within the target’s environment to conduct malicious activities without raising alarms.

These techniques enable APT29 to operate stealthily, often remaining undetected for extended periods while they gather intelligence and execute follow-up operations.

Identifying Targets: Intent vs. Opportunity

The NCSC categorizes APT29’s targets into two distinct groups: "targets of intent" and "targets of opportunity."

1. Targets of Intent: This group includes government entities, diplomatic bodies, think tanks, technology firms, and financial institutions. These organizations are specifically chosen due to their strategic importance and the valuable information they possess.

2. Targets of Opportunity: In contrast, these targets are identified through a more opportunistic approach. APT29 scans internet-facing systems for unpatched vulnerabilities, allowing them to exploit weaknesses at scale. This means that any organization with vulnerable systems is at risk, regardless of its size or sector.

The Importance of Cyber Hygiene

The NCSC emphasizes the critical need for organizations to bolster their cybersecurity defenses in light of these threats. Paul Chichester, NCSC’s director of operations, stated, "Russian cyber actors are interested in and highly capable of accessing unpatched systems across a range of sectors, and once they are in, they can exploit this access to meet their objectives."

To mitigate risks, organizations are urged to prioritize the deployment of patches and software updates, as well as to follow the recommendations outlined in the advisory. This includes establishing a baseline for authorized devices and closely scrutinizing any systems that access organizational networks.

A Call to Action

The advisory serves as a clarion call for organizations to conduct thorough reviews of their security controls. Dave Luber, cybersecurity director of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), echoed this sentiment, stating, "This activity is a global threat to the government and private sectors and requires a thorough review of security controls, including prioritizing patches and keeping software up to date."

By taking proactive measures to enhance their cybersecurity posture, organizations can better defend against the sophisticated tactics employed by APT29 and other state-sponsored actors.

Conclusion

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, the warning from the NCSC underscores the urgency for organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts. With APT29 poised to exploit vulnerabilities for geopolitical gain, the onus is on every organization to fortify its defenses and safeguard its critical assets against the looming threat of cyberattacks.