Microsoft Monitors Malware Infecting Ukrainian Government-Owned Computers And Web Systems

Microsoft has detected malware on a computer system belonging to the Ukrainian government. (photo: doc. insplash)

JAKARTA - Microsoft Corp. said in a blog post on Saturday, January 15 that it observed destructive malware in the systems of several Ukrainian government agencies and organizations collaborating with the Ukrainian government.

According to sources at Microsoft, the victims of the malware attack including Ukrainian agencies and government are providing important executive branches or emergency response functions,

Also affected are information technology companies that maintain websites for public and private sector clients, including government agencies whose websites were recently defaced. Microsoft itself could not identify the IT company involved.

The US software giant, which first detected the malware on Thursday, January 13, said the malware attack did not use any vulnerabilities in Microsoft products and services.

A massive cyberattack that took place on government websites on Thursday evening, January 14, warned Ukrainians to "fear and hope for the worst", rendered some websites inaccessible on Friday morning and prompted Ukraine to open an investigation.

Reuters reported on Saturday that Ukraine had suspected a hacker group linked to Belarusian intelligence of carrying out cyber attacks, and that they were using malware similar to that used by groups linked to Russian intelligence, according to a senior Ukrainian security official.

In its explanation, Microsoft also stated that Malware, disguised as ransomware, would render infected computer systems inoperable if activated by attackers.

Microsoft also said that it will continue to work with the cybersecurity community to identify and assist targets and victims of these malware attacks.