Microsoft thwarts Russian attempts to hack right-wing US think-tanks
The software giant took control of sites hackers designed to mimic the pages of The International Republican Institute and The Hudson Institute, both critics of Russia
Moscow — Hackers linked to Russia’s government tried to target the websites of two right-wing US think-tanks, suggesting they were broadening their attacks in the build-up to November elections, Microsoft said. The software giant said it had thwarted the attempts last week by taking control of sites that hackers had designed to mimic the pages of The International Republican Institute and The Hudson Institute. Users were redirected to fake pages where they were asked to enter usernames and passwords. There was no immediate comment from Russian authorities, but the Kremlin was expected to address the report later on Tuesday. It has regularly dismissed accusations that it has used hackers to influence US elections and political opinion. Casting such allegations as part of an anti-Russian campaign designed to justify new sanctions on Russia, it says it wants to improve, not worsen, ties with Washington. "We’re concerned that these and other attempts pose security threats to a broadenin...
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