Mandiant has elevated the classification of the notorious Russian APT group Sandworm to APT44, citing its immense threat to global government and critical infrastructure entities. Since its exposure a decade ago, Sandworm, now APT44, has been involved in numerous disruptive cyber campaigns, including the infamous NotPetya malware attack in 2017 and the WannaCry ransomware attack. Mandiant emphasized APT44’s adaptability and its pivotal role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, posing a significant risk with its espionage, attack deployment, and influence operations, all backed by Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).
Amidst heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, APT44’s activities have intensified, targeting not only Ukraine but also other countries globally. Mandiant observed APT44’s involvement in disruptive campaigns, such as deploying wiper malware resulting in power outages in Ukraine’s energy grid. Additionally, APT44 has expanded its reach to conduct espionage operations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, primarily targeting defense, transportation, energy, media, and civil society organizations.
Despite being deeply involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, APT44’s threats extend beyond the battlefield, posing a severe risk to democratic processes, including electoral systems in Western countries. Mandiant highlighted APT44’s interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and its ongoing efforts to disrupt elections by leaking politically sensitive information and manipulating election data. The group’s persistence, adaptability, and access to Russian companies and criminal marketplaces contribute to its effectiveness in executing cyber operations.
Mandiant advises organizations to prioritize detection of APT44’s techniques, particularly living off the land (LOTL) tactics, and investigate instances of commercially available malware as potential APT44 activity. Furthermore, organizations should be vigilant against phishing attacks, credential harvesting, and known vulnerabilities exploited by APT44 for initial access. With APT44’s enduring interest in U.S. critical infrastructure and its capability to manipulate public opinion, proactive measures and robust cybersecurity defenses are crucial to mitigate the persistent threat posed by this highly sophisticated adversary.
