In a bold move, a Belarusian hacker activist group, Cyber Partisans, alleges to have breached the network of Belarus’ primary security agency, the KGB. It is interesting to understand the activities of this group in the wake of growing tensions amidst Russia Ukraine war and its allies.
Who are Cyber Partisans?
The Cyber Partisans emerged in September 2020 amidst the turmoil following Belarus’ contested presidential election, which saw Alexander Lukashenko claim victory amid allegations of fraud. This group is part of the larger “Suprativ” collective, an anti-government movement in Belarus. Comprised of former IT professionals, many potentially residing in Belarus, the Cyber Partisans have quickly gained attention for their digital activism against Lukashenko’s regime.
Growing Influence and Tactics
Initially consisting of 15 members, the Cyber Partisans have reportedly doubled in size to around 30 as of early 2022, with an influx of new members following the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine. While a core group conducts cyber operations, others assist with tasks like creating online accounts. However, the majority focus on supporting opposition efforts, including aiding protesters in Belarus with encrypted communications.
Doxing and Data Leaks
A significant aspect of the Cyber Partisans’ activities is “doxing,” where they publicly release private information of Belarusian government officials, intelligence officers, and riot police. One of their major campaigns, the “Scorching Heat (КО Жара)” campaign, spanned from June to November 2021. During this period, they reportedly hacked into various government databases, including the passport system, traffic police database, and databases related to violations and surveillance. This campaign aimed to expose government activities and hold officials accountable.
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Focus on Resistance and Impact
Despite their digital prowess, the Cyber Partisans maintain a strong focus on non-violent resistance and supporting democratic movements. Their actions aim to challenge Lukashenko’s authoritarian rule and promote transparency within the Belarusian government. Through their activities, they seek to empower citizens and contribute to the broader movement for democratic change in Belarus.
The KGB Attack
The attack on the KGB comes in response to the agency’s chief, Ivan Tertel, who accused the group of plotting attacks on Belarus’ critical infrastructure, including its nuclear power plant. Yuliana Shametavets, coordinator of Cyber-Partisans, stated that the hack was a direct response to the political repression carried out by the Belarusian government.
According to Shametavets, the group aims to expose the political repression carried out by the Belarusian special services. By accessing the KGB’s network, Cyber-Partisans obtained the personal files of thousands of employees. They have now launched a chatbot on Telegram, allowing Belarusians to identify KGB operatives by uploading their photos.
Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has faced significant unrest since the 2020 election, which the West and opposition deemed fraudulent. The subsequent crackdown by authorities led to mass protests and thousands of arrests. The situation escalated further when Cyber-Partisans targeted Belarusian state media and infrastructure, including Belarusian Railways.
The story involves the alleged infiltration of computers at Grodno Azot, Belarus’s largest fertilizer plant, by the Cyber Partisans group. Grodno Azot is a significant chemical company in Belarus with about 7,500 employees.
Cyber Partisans, a Belarusian hacker activist group, claims to have infiltrated the computers of Grodno Azot, the country’s largest fertilizer plant. The state-run company has not commented on the claim, but its website has been unavailable since April 17, adding credibility to Cyber Partisans’ assertion.
The alleged attack on Grodno Azot is part of Cyber Partisans’ broader campaign against the Lukashenko regime, following the disputed 2020 election and subsequent political repression. With Belarus heavily relying on chemical industries, targeting Grodno Azot is a strategic move by Cyber Partisans to exert pressure on the government and raise awareness about political repression in the country.
Shametavets warned the Belarusian authorities that unless they halt political repressions, Cyber-Partisans will continue their attacks, aiming to destabilize the Lukashenko regime further.
