A multinational cyber enforcement operation led by European agencies has successfully disrupted the NoName057(16) pro-Russian hacktivist network responsible for numerous distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
Europol reported that this group primarily targeted entities in Ukraine but expanded its activities to other NATO countries following the outbreak of the war in 2022. These cyber attacks have hit Swedish authorities and banking websites, with Germany experiencing 14 separate attack waves affecting over 250 organizations since the investigation commenced in November 2023.
The operation, dubbed Operation Eastwood, resulted in the takedown of 100 servers, two arrests in France and Spain, and 24 property searches across Europe. Key figures within the network, including suspected leaders, have been identified, with several Russian nationals facing arrest warrants, indicating a targeted approach to dismantling this cybercrime network.
While the recent crackdown has affected their operations, experts caution that it might not signify the end of NoName057(16), as the group continues to operate through encrypted channels and is shifting its tactics towards more sophisticated cyber threats.
