Also known as: early March of 2022, Vanguard Panda, Dev-0391, UNC3236, the Newscaster Team, Russian Cyber Army Team, Ukraine began, cpyy, APT3, Gothic Panda, UPS Team, TG-0110, DeputyDog, Parastoo, Newscaster, APT28, Pawn Storm, Fancy Bear, Sednit, MiniDionis, Hammertoss, Chinastrats, Patchwork
Targeted Sectors
Targeted Countries / Regions
Executive Summary
The People's Cyber Army of Russia is suspected to be a state-sponsored or state-affiliated cyber threat actor group operating with potential ties to Russian government interests. This group has demonstrated advanced capabilities in cyber operations, likely focusing on strategic sectors such as energy, aerospace, and defense. Their primary motivations appear to align with geopolitical objectives, including espionage, information warfare, and undermining adversarial nations' critical infrastructure.
Goals & Targeting
The primary goal of the People's Cyber Army of Russia appears to be advancing Russian strategic interests through cyber means. They target sectors critical to national security, such as energy, aerospace, and defense, as well as government entities. Their targeting profile suggests a focus on high-impact, high-value organizations in countries perceived as adversaries or geopolitical rivals. The group's activities likely aim to achieve intelligence gathering, disruption of services, and/or sowing discord through information operations.
Enhanced Description
The People's Cyber Army of Russia represents a sophisticated cyber threat actor group that has likely been active for several years. While specific details about their origin remain unclear, their operations suggest a high level of organization and technical expertise, possibly linked to Russian state-sponsored activities. This group has targeted critical infrastructure, government entities, and private sector organizations in key strategic sectors. Their activities are presumed to be aligned with broader Russian geopolitical interests, including influence operations, espionage, and disruption of adversary nations' stability.
Key Capabilities
MITRE ATT&CK Tactics
ATT&CK Techniques
Software / Tooling
Campaigns & Victims
The People's Cyber Army of Russia has been linked to multiple high-profile campaigns targeting strategic sectors in Eastern Europe, North America, and Asia. Their campaigns often involve prolonged lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, and occasional disruptive activities such as ransomware deployments or DDoS attacks. Notable past operations include targeting energy grids, defense contractors, and government agencies during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.
IOC Patterns
Recommended Actions
Suggested Tags
Confidence Assessment
High confidence in the general characterization of the group as a state-affiliated actor, though precise details about their TTPs and specific campaign patterns remain limited. Additional data would improve understanding of their exact capabilities and operational tradecraft.
No techniques linked yet.
No campaigns linked yet.
No observed data linked yet.
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Techniques
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Campaigns
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Observed Data
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Tactics