SolarWinds: hackers launch new attacks according to Microsoft

Russian cybercriminals behind a massive computer attack in the United States revealed in late 2020 have launched a new round of offensives against U.S. government agencies, and more than 150 organizations, Microsoft said.

Among the victims of these attacks, the firm cites an email account of the United States Agency for International Development.

Microsoft cybersecurity researchers say a group known as Nobelium is stepping up its efforts to attack federal agencies linked to US foreign policy.

With the aim of stealing sensitive information.

To read also: Solarwinds: at least "1000 engineers, very qualified and capable" behind the cyberattack

To carry out these attacks qualified by Microsoft as "

" and "

", hackers use phishing ( "

").

A method of sending emails that appear genuine but contain malware that allows access to victims' data.

More than 3,000 email accounts have been targeted according to Tom Burt, vice president of Microsoft.

"

" says Microsoft.

Russia singled out

The similarities between the latest cyberattack and the offensive against SolarWinds make it clear that "

" said Microsoft's vice president.

A strategy that aims to foster distrust of the entire technological ecosystem.

The announcement of the attacks comes a month after Washington imposed financial sanctions on Moscow and expelled Russian diplomats in response to the massive hack of computer management software publisher SolarWinds last year.

Read also: With the SolarWinds attack, Western cybersecurity in full question

The United States accuses Russia of orchestrating this cyberattack, which affected up to 18,000 SolarWinds customers and more than 100 American companies. For its part, Moscow denies any involvement. A summit between the two leaders will be held on June 16 in Geneva.