U.S. authorities and Microsoft say hackers linked to Russian intelligence targeted dozens of former military and intelligence officials, journalists and civil society groups with a sophisticated campaign designed to steal information.

Since the start of 2023, Microsoft had observed Star Blizzard attack over 30 organizations including NGOs, journalists, and think tanks. The attacks primarily consisted of a spear phishing campaigns to exfiltrate sensitive data from victims and obstruct activities aimed at preserving democratic processes.

A Microsoft-DOJ effort has aimed to disrupt the group Star Blizzard—tied to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB)—which has been ‘targeting Microsoft customers globally.’