UserSec (Hacktivists) – Threat Actor

Overview

Common targets

Information

Public Administration

Retail Trade

France

Attack Vectors

Web Browsing

How they operate

At the heart of UserSec’s technical operations is their use of DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. These attacks involve overwhelming a targeted website or server with an excessive amount of traffic, ultimately rendering the website or service unreachable to legitimate users. DDoS attacks are a preferred method for hacktivists due to their simplicity and the ability to generate immediate, visible disruptions. UserSec has employed a variety of techniques in executing these attacks, including botnets (a network of compromised devices used to launch coordinated attacks), amplification attacks (where attackers exploit vulnerable servers to magnify the volume of traffic), and reflection techniques (where the attack traffic is reflected off other systems to obfuscate the original source).

In addition to DDoS attacks, UserSec utilizes website defacements as part of their operations. This tactic involves altering the content of a target’s website, often replacing it with a politically charged message or propaganda that aligns with the group’s ideology. The defaced website serves as both a disruption to the normal operation of the target and as a tool for propaganda. These attacks are typically carried out by exploiting website vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS), which allow the attacker to gain access to and alter the website’s content. Once the attacker gains access, they can upload a defacement page that replaces the original content, often with a message supporting their political cause.

One of the key technical characteristics of UserSec’s operations is their use of encrypted communication channels, such as Telegram, to coordinate their attacks. By leveraging encrypted messaging platforms, the group can operate with a degree of anonymity, making it harder for law enforcement to trace their activities. This enables them to share attack plans, recruit members, and disseminate attack tools and resources in a secure environment. UserSec’s Telegram channel is a central hub for their activities, where they announce their operations, provide updates on ongoing attacks, and share the outcomes of their campaigns.

UserSec’s attacks are not solely limited to DDoS and defacement operations; they are also highly coordinated with other hacktivist groups. For example, during the #FreeDurov operation in August 2024, UserSec collaborated with other pro-Russian and hacktivist groups to target French entities. These collaborations often involve coordinating DDoS attacks across multiple groups, with each group focusing on a specific set of targets. This cooperation amplifies the impact of the campaign and ensures that a wide range of high-profile targets are affected.

Overall, UserSec’s technical operations are effective due to their combination of common cyberattack techniques—DDoS, website defacement, and exploitation of web vulnerabilities—executed with precision and underpinned by strong coordination and communication. The group’s technical tactics may not be highly sophisticated compared to advanced cyber threat actors, but their ability to leverage these techniques to disrupt their targets and advance their political agenda makes them a potent force in the realm of hacktivism. By exploiting both the vulnerabilities of their targets and the power of digital platforms, UserSec continues to play an active role in the ongoing cyber conflict between Russia and its geopolitical adversaries.

• Hacktivists Call for Release of Telegram Founder with #FreeDurov DDoS Campaign