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▒▒▒▒ Article 003 ▒▒▒▒
ASSESING BELARUSIAN CYBER PARTISANS using F.A.R.T.S
The Belarusian Cyber Partisans have emerged as a notable cyber-activist group, particularly following the controversial 2020 Belarusian presidential election. Utilizing the Framework for Assessing RPT Technical Sophistication (F.A.R.T.S), this article aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the group's technical capabilities, operational security, and overall threat level.
1. CNA Capabilities
The group has shown significant capabilities in Computer Network Attacks (CNA). Specifically, they have targeted the Belarusian railway systems to disrupt Russian military movements. They employed a modified form of ransomware to paralyze the railway system which had a significant impact on logistics and military operations. Their ability to target critical infrastructure, albeit sporadically, places them at a medium level of CNA sophistication. Rating: Medium (5).
2. CNE Capabilities
The Cyber Partisans have demonstrated a high level of Computer Network Exploitation (CNE) skills. They successfully infiltrated sensitive databases of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, obtaining a large volume of material including secretly recorded phone conversations, lists of alleged police informants, and personal information about top government officials. They also hacked into the Belarusian State University's servers, obtaining and encrypting 3 terabytes of data. These actions indicate a mastery over the MITRE ATT&CK kill chain, and the ability to perform deep data analysis post-exploitation. Rating: High (7).
3. Operational Security
The group maintains a high level of operational security. Members are anonymous even to each other, which adds a layer of security against infiltration. Some members were penetration testers before joining the group, indicating a background in cybersecurity. However, their spokesperson, Yuliana Shemetovets, is publicly known, which could be a potential vulnerability. Despite this, there have been no known instances of members being compromised, suggesting effective counterintelligence measures. Furthermore, the group has declared they are willing to work with states and other entities who share their goals. This signals an opportunity for asset recruitment. Rating: High (3).
4. Organization Management
The Cyber Partisans are a well-organized entity, consisting of around 30 members with specialized roles ranging from hacking to data analysis. They also collaborate with BYPOL, a group of former Belarusian police officers, to enhance their operational effectiveness. This collaboration has been particularly useful in planning and executing moves that require inside knowledge of database structures. Rating: High (3).
5. Persistence Factor
The group has shown a high level of persistence since their formation in September 2020. They have engaged in multiple, sustained campaigns against the Belarusian government and have recently expanded their operations to include Russian targets such as Roscomnadzor, the Russian internet censorship agency. Their consistent and long-term campaigns indicate a robust operational infrastructure and a high level of commitment to their objectives. Rating: High (3).
Overall Threat Assessment
According to the F.A.R.T.S framework, the Belarusian Cyber Partisans score a total of 21, placing them in the High Sophistication category. Their high level of CNE capabilities, persistence, and organizational management make them a formidable group. However, their operational security could be further optimized to mitigate potential vulnerabilities, such as the public identity of their spokesperson.
Given their sophistication, they make good candidates for recruitment and transformation into a versatile and highly effective APT.
Conclusion
The F.A.R.T.S framework provides a nuanced tool for assessing the technical sophistication of Rudimentary Persistent Threats. In the case of the Belarusian Cyber Partisans, their diverse capabilities and sustained activities categorize them as a high-sophistication actor.
Article 002 - Framework for Assessing RPT's Technical Sophistication Article 004 - Assesing Kosova Hackers Security Using F.A.R.T.S