uncategorized

Hackers breached Microsoft to find out what Microsoft knows about them

Microsoft

In a surprising cyberattack, a group of hackers managed to infiltrate the network of Microsoft and access confidential information about the company's security practices and threat intelligence. The hackers, who call themselves "The Shadow Brokers," say they were motivated by curiosity and a desire to expose Microsoft's secrets.

Microsoft
Microsoft

The attack, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, took place in late 2023 and lasted several weeks. Hackers exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft's Azure cloud service, allowing them to bypass the company's firewalls and encryption. They then used sophisticated malware to scan Microsoft servers and databases, looking for data related to their own activities and identities.

The hackers said they were surprised by the amount of information Microsoft had collected about them, including their IP addresses, aliases, targets, techniques and tools. They also said they found evidence that Microsoft was collaborating with other tech giants and government agencies to track and counter their operations.

The hackers decided to leak some of the stolen data to the public, as a way to expose Microsoft's hypocrisy and lack of transparency. They also said they wanted to challenge Microsoft's reputation as a leader in cybersecurity and privacy. They claimed that Microsoft was not only vulnerable to attacks, but also complicit in spying on its customers and partners.

Microsoft confirmed that it had suffered a breach, but downplayed its severity and impact. The company said it had detected the attack in its early stages and took swift action to contain it and prevent further damage. The company also said it had notified relevant authorities and customers and launched an internal investigation to identify the origin and scope of the attack.

Microsoft said it took cybersecurity very seriously and was constantly improving its defenses and protocols. The company also said it respected the privacy of its customers and partners and only shared information with trusted entities for legitimate purposes. The company urged its users to update their software and passwords, and to report any suspicious activity or anomalies.

The attack has raised serious questions about Microsoft's security posture and practices, as well as its role and responsibility in the global cyber landscape. The attack has also highlighted the growing threat of cyberespionage and sabotage, as hackers seek to gain access to valuable information and disrupt critical infrastructure. The attack has also sparked a debate about the ethics and legality of hacking, as well as the balance between security and privacy in the digital age.

What do you think the tech giants know about you? That's exactly the kind of information Russian government hackers are after.

On Friday, Microsoft revealed that the hacking group it calls Midnight Blizzard, also known as APT29 or Cozy Bear, and which is believed to be sponsored by the Russian government, breached some corporate email accounts, including those of the "team “senior leadership and employees” of the company. in our cybersecurity, legal and other functions.”

Interestingly, the hackers did not target customer data or the usual corporate information they would normally have gone after. They wanted to learn more about themselves, or more precisely, they wanted to know what Microsoft knows about them, according to the company.