A recent cybersecurity threat has taken a new and disturbing turn, as cybercriminals are now using video games to recruit child players for launching missile strikes. The Ukrainian National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have uncovered this new form of espionage, which involves Russian cybercrime groups allegedly connected to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
The method used by these hackers is shockingly straightforward. They entice children aged 14 to 16 with promises of rewards like Bitcoin deposits into digital wallets, convincing them to log into a game and capture photos and videos of their surroundings with geolocation tags. These images and videos are then sent to anonymous contacts through the Tor network, a tool known for masking identities.
Once the initial task is completed, the child is instructed to continue playing a virtual reality (VR) game, sometimes encouraged to wear a VR headset for a more immersive experience. In certain cases, they are directed to disrupt public infrastructure by damaging electric transformers or hacking into CCTV networks at intersections. Detailed instructions on carrying out these tasks are provided in the form of templates.
After receiving the geotagged media, the attackers use the information to pinpoint the child’s location and target the area with missile strikes, resulting in destruction in cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv. The recruitment process typically takes place through various messaging platforms, with private and invite-only chat networks used for secure communication, making it challenging for authorities to monitor these conversations due to encryption.
This exploitation of children in cyber warfare is not an isolated incident. In March 2022, civilians were coerced to hack into local camera networks, giving Russian operatives control over them and leading to a surge in physical attacks. These developments highlight a troubling trend in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with cyber warfare intensifying as Russia seeks to undermine Ukraine through covert attacks on critical infrastructure.
As the conflict persists, the prospects for peace talks appear bleak, leaving the innocent population of Ukraine vulnerable to cyber threats. The incoming U.S. president may hold the key to resolving the devastating consequences of the war, which shows no signs of immediate resolution. Despite the grim outlook, there remains hope that future leadership could steer the conflict towards a peaceful resolution and protect Ukraine from further cyberattacks.