Spain Arrests Three ‘Pro-Russian’ Hackers Linked to Cyberattacks

Spanish police have arrested three pro-Russian hackers for allegedly conducting cyberattacks against Spain and other NATO countries for terrorist purposes. The Civil Guard announced the arrests on Saturday, attributing the cyberattacks to a group with suspected links to Russia.

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Details of the Arrests

• Suspects: The identities of the three suspects have not been disclosed.
• Locations: Arrests took place in Manacor on Spain’s Balearic Island of Mallorca, and in Huelva and Seville in southern Spain.
• Crimes: The hackers are accused of participating in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks against public institutions and strategic sectors.

Targets and Motives

• Targets: The cyberattacks were directed at web pages of public and private organizations within government sectors, critical infrastructures, and essential services in NATO countries supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
• Group: The Civil Guard identified the hackers as members of the hacktivist group NoName057(16). This group emerged after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has been one of the most active in conducting cyberattacks.
• Motives: According to their manifesto, NoName057(16) commits to responding proportionately to what they describe as “hostile and openly anti-Russian actions of Western Russophobes.”

Evidence and Investigation

• Evidence: Police released a video showing a raid at one of the suspect’s homes, where a Soviet-era hammer and sickle flag was displayed on the wall.
• Ongoing Investigation: The Civil Guard stated that the investigation is still ongoing, suggesting that more details and potentially more arrests could follow.

Conclusion

The arrest of these hackers highlights the ongoing cyber threats faced by NATO countries, especially those supporting Ukraine. Spain’s proactive measures and the Civil Guard’s efficient operations demonstrate the country’s commitment to countering cyber terrorism and protecting its national security interests. The involvement of groups like NoName057(16) underscores the persistent cyber risks linked to geopolitical tensions.