The hacking group Anonymous Sudan has claimed responsibility for a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack on Microsoft’s Outlook email service. However, experts suggest that the group might not be based in Sudan and could be manipulated by Russia to serve its interests.
Anonymous Sudan has engaged in cyberattacks against multiple organizations in Sweden, Israel, and the United States in recent months. The group claims that these attacks are a direct response to the burning of a Quran in Sweden and the airstrikes carried out by Israel in Gaza.
Research conducted by Truesec, a Swedish cybersecurity company, suggests that Anonymous Sudan could potentially be a front for a Russian hacking group. Truesec highlights the fact that the group’s Telegram channel is based in Russia and that their attacks specifically focus on Ukrainian war-related organizations.
Truesec has discovered that Anonymous Sudan is using the same DDoS tools as various Russian hacking groups. These tools are specifically designed to flood websites with an overwhelming amount of traffic, making them impossible for users to access.
Russia’s use of hacking groups like Anonymous Sudan represents a new approach. By employing these groups, Russia can distance itself from direct responsibility for the attacks while still achieving its goals. As a result, it becomes more difficult for countries to effectively defend against such attack
The cyberattacks conducted by Anonymous Sudan are a powerful reminder of the growing danger presented by cyberattacks. Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it is likely that Russia will persist in utilizing hacking collectives to accomplish its objectives. Countries must be ready to protect themselves against such attacks and ensure that Russia faces consequences for its behavior.
