The F.B.I disrupted a Russian hacking operation that infiltrated more than 1,000 home and business internet routers in the United States and around the world. Russian intelligence created a botnet to spy on military, security organizations, and private corporations in various countries. The F.B.I secretly copied and deleted stolen data and malware from hacked routers, preventing Russia from using the routers without affecting their function. FBI director Christopher A. Wray shared details of the operation at a security conference in Munich. The disruption is part of a broader effort to stymie Russia’s cyber campaigns against the United States and allies, including Ukraine. The details of the operation come a day after the Biden administration said it told Congress and its European allies that Russia is seeking to create a space-based nuclear weapon to target U.S. satellites. The White House has been trying to persuade House Republicans to continue funding Ukraine’s military operations in its fight against Russia to secure American national security. Russia continued to target critical infrastructure, such as underwater cables and industrial control systems, around the world. China’s capabilities in cyberwarfare have also improved, posing a massive threat. The FBI disrupted a similar campaign from China targeting critical infrastructure, small businesses, contractors, or local government networks last month. The FBI and Justice Department have warned of an increase in malicious activity against the United States by China, Iran, and Russia in recent months.
