Microsoft: Russian Idiots Compromise ISPs, Then Embassies. *Again*.

Oh, for the love of all that is holy… Microsoft’s reporting that a bunch of Russian state-sponsored assholes – Nobelium, they’re calling them, like it’s some kind of award – are getting into embassies by hacking Internet Service Providers. Seriously? You need to go after ISPs now? How pathetic can you get?

Apparently, these clowns are compromising smaller ISPs, then using those access points as a springboard to launch Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks against diplomatic missions. They’re basically piggybacking on legitimate network traffic. It’s like robbing a bank by first stealing the janitor’s keys. It’s not clever, it’s just…lazy.

They’re after credentials, naturally. Email accounts, VPN access – the usual crap. Microsoft says they’ve been at this since May 2023 and are still actively poking around. And of course, they’re using all sorts of fancy obfuscation techniques to avoid detection. Because *that* makes it better.

The worst part? This isn’t some zero-day exploit or groundbreaking new technique. It’s just…basic network compromise and abuse. It highlights how vulnerable everyone is, especially those relying on smaller ISPs with questionable security practices. Honestly, if you’re an embassy reading this, *get your shit together*.

Microsoft has released guidance (surprise, surprise) but let’s be real, most places won’t implement it properly until after they get hacked. It’s always the same damn story.

Source: Microsoft: Russian Hackers Use ISP Access to Hack Embassies in AitM Attacks

Speaking of pathetic security, I once had to deal with a sysadmin who thought changing the default password on his router was “sufficient” protection. Router firmware hadn’t been updated since 2012. He was shocked when someone compromised it. *Shocked*. Some people shouldn’t be allowed near computers, let alone responsible for securing anything important.

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