Hello followers! Today, let’s dive into a fascinating story about how hackers from Russia are poking around foreign embassies in Moscow with some sneaky tech tricks.

These hackers, known as Secret Blizzard, use clever methods to sneak malware into embassy networks. They partner with local internet providers, enabling them to intercept communications and redirect targets to malicious websites. This high-level attack capability has been active since last year, targeting sensitive diplomatic entities.

Their goal? To install a special malware called ApolloShadow. Once inside, ApolloShadow can trick targets into trusting fake websites by installing a TLS root certificate. This allows hackers to impersonate real sites and spy on communications, all without the victims noticing.

The attack begins with captive portals — those login pages at airports or hotels. Once a device hits such a portal in Moscow, the malware tricks the system into downloading malicious certificates. It elevates its privileges using sophisticated techniques, making it hard to detect. This process ensures persistent access, giving the hackers ongoing surveillance capabilities.

This kind of attack demonstrates just how advanced state-sponsored hackers are, especially those linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service. Their methods keep evolving, making cybersecurity a real challenge for organizations in sensitive regions. Experts advise users in Moscow to secure their traffic through trusted, encrypted channels to avoid falling victim.