Rosstat confirms cyberattack as hackers claim data theft

Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service, known as Rosstat, confirmed it was targeted in a cyberattack, while the Belarusian Cyber Partisans and Silent Crow claimed they stole sensitive files, including records about Russian military losses. The agency denied that databases or legally protected information had been exposed, and the hackers’ claims have not been independently verified. Rosstat said its monitoring systems detected suspicious activity in time for staff to respond. It described coordinated attacks against several parts of its online services between October 29 and November 1. The agency said it was working with cybersecurity specialists and law enforcement to identify those responsible. The two hacking groups said they had accessed Rosstat’s network and taken data concerning wartime losses, demographic and economic statistics, and documents marked for official use. Their reported estimates of the amount taken differed: Silent Crow claimed about 23 terabytes, while the Cyber Partisans said the haul exceeded 10 terabytes, according to cybersecurity firm Brandefense. Neither figure has been independently confirmed. Silent Crow also claimed it gained control of about...