- Hacker groups are preventing user access to websites belonging to French authorities to show their support for Pavel Durov.
- Durov was arrested on August 24 by French authorities.
As a seasoned cybersecurity researcher with years of experience tracking digital attacks across borders, I find myself deeply concerned by the recent escalation of DDoS attacks targeting French government websites. Having witnessed similar situations unfold in the past, I can’t help but draw parallels between this current situation and the complex web that is international cyberwarfare.
Russian hackers are carrying out coordinated Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assaults on French government websites as a reaction to the August 24 detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France, who is suspected of money laundering, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. However, no official charges have been filed against him yet.
A Slew of DDoS Attacks
A cybersecurity expert, Clément Domingo, known on X as SaxX, posted about ten websites experiencing downtimes due to DDoS attacks under the name ‘opDurov.’ A translated version of the post read, “hacktivist groups have been attacking various French sites since midday.” It included screenshots of websites belonging to the French agricultural union—Confédération Paysanne, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), and La Voix Du Nord newspaper. These attacks only prevented users from accessing the websites and did not involve ransomware or malware. However, Domingo warned of further attacks, “I also fear other more virulent/serious attacks than these simple #ddos ! The disclosure of information and the defacement of websites […] are also to be feared.”
A new statement on X suggests that the Russian Cyber Army boasted about causing a well-known site to go offline. “Apparently, the Russian Cyber Army asserted responsibility for attacking Syane’s website.” Additionally, it was reported that hacker groups from different regions participated in similar actions. According to another post on X, the hacktivist group “RipperSec” is said to have launched a #DDOS attack against France’s PriceBank site.
The coordinated actions aim to show solidarity with Durov, who they believe is unjustly detained. His firm stance on freedom of expression has led some to question the lack of impartiality and oversight on Telegram. Many more are expressing their worries about his arrest, as no official charges have been brought forth.
On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly commented on the arrest of Durov, ending his silence on the matter. He characterized it as a non-political event stemming from an ongoing legal inquiry.
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2024-08-28 22:10