Ukrainian Cyber Operation Successfully Cripples Russian Bank ATMs
On July 27, 2024, Ukraine launched a major cyber operation against major Russian banks, disrupting ATM services and causing widespread financial difficulties.
Targeted Banks:
- Dom.RF
- VTB Bank
- Alfa-Bank
- Sberbank
- Raiffeisen Bank
- RSHB Bank
- Rosbank
- Gazprombank
- Tinkoff Bank
- iBank
Impacts:
- ATM inaccessibility: Customers of impacted banks were unable to utilize ATMs for debit and credit card transactions.
- Frozen Bank Systems: Bank payment systems and mobile applications faced widespread freezes, leading to service disruptions and difficulties.
- Public Transport Payments Disruption: Many users encountered difficulties in conducting payments for public transport services.
- Database Access: Nation-state hackers affiliated with Ukraine reportedly gained access to bank databases.
Attack Objectives:
Ukrainian intelligence sources described the attack as an "opportune moment" to implement Russia’s long-desired "import substitution" by forcing a return to less technologically advanced financial systems. The motive appears to be the disruption of financial operations that support the ongoing Russian military activities in Ukraine.
Additional Targets:
The Ukrainian cyber operation reportedly extended beyond bank systems, disrupting services of major Russian mobile and internet providers like Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2, and Rostelecom. Popular online messengers and major Russian social networks were also targeted.
Statement from Ukrainian Intelligence:
"An unprecedented attack by cyber specialists of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine [HUR] on the Russian banking sector, which is involved in financing the armed aggression of the Russian federation, has been going on for several days in a row," reported a source within Ukrainian intelligence.
This statement suggests an ongoing and protracted cyber campaign against Russian financial institutions.
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