A shocking report has been shared by Dutch intelligence agencies revealing that a secret group of hackers, called Laundry Bear, broke into the computer networks of the Dutch police, NATO, and several European countries. This happened last year, but the details are only coming to light now. The hackers are believed to be backed by the Russian government. This group has been sneaky and dangerous, stealing important information from countries that are part of NATO, including the Netherlands.
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service, along with the Dutch Military Intelligence Service, sent a letter to the Dutch parliament explaining the findings. They said Laundry Bear was discovered when they broke into the Dutch police system in September 2024. They stole sensitive data about police officers in the Netherlands, which could be very harmful if misused.
This group didn’t stop at the Dutch police. They also tried to steal secrets from companies that make advanced technologies, like weapons and military equipment. These are items that Russia has a hard time getting because of strict sanctions placed by the West due to the war in Ukraine. The hackers wanted to learn how Western governments buy and produce these high-tech tools, and also how they send weapons to Ukraine.
How the Hackers Work
Laundry Bear used advanced hacking techniques to hide what they were doing. The Dutch intelligence agencies say the group was operating in secret for a long time before they were caught. Their main goal was to steal information that could help Russia in its conflict with the West, especially about military equipment and weapons.
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These hackers also targeted NATO networks. NATO is an organization where countries like the US, the UK, and many European nations work together to protect each other. If hackers get into NATO systems, they can steal valuable information about defense plans, military operations, and security details. This is very dangerous because it could put lives at risk and weaken the safety of many countries.
The hackers focused on finding out how Western governments are helping Ukraine by sending weapons and other military support. They also wanted to steal designs and data from companies that make important technology, like advanced machinery or computer chips, which are hard to get in Russia due to strict rules.
A Widespread Danger
The investigation by the Dutch intelligence services shows that Laundry Bear is a part of a much bigger problem. The group has been carrying out cyberattacks not just in the Netherlands, but also across Europe and against NATO. Since at least 2024, they have been working quietly, gathering secret information that could be used to harm Western countries or to help Russia in its war efforts.
The hackers didn’t just go after governments. They also targeted businesses, especially those making advanced technology that Russia cannot easily buy. This shows how serious and dangerous their actions are. The stolen information could give Russia an unfair advantage by helping them build better weapons or by finding out how to weaken other countries’ defenses.
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Dutch intelligence agencies have warned that the threat from Laundry Bear is part of a larger cyber war happening behind the scenes. They have urged governments and businesses to be on high alert, as these attacks are designed to steal sensitive information and disrupt important systems that keep countries safe.
For now, the Dutch agencies are working to understand the full impact of Laundry Bear’s actions. They are sharing information with their allies to try and protect against future attacks. The discovery of this group shows that cyber threats are real and can have very serious consequences for security, safety, and international peace.