Just hours after declaring cyberwar on Russia, hacker group Anonymous has claimed a significant victory.
They managed to breach the Russian Ministry of Defence’s database and posted it online for the world to see.
Among the information are emails, passwords and telephone numbers.
The group tweeted: ‘Hackers all around the world: target Russia in the name of #anonymous let them know we do not forgive, we do not forget. Anonymous owns fascists, always.’
For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live
This morning they also announced they had uncovered a huge cache of emails – 200 gigabytes worth – from Belarusian weapons manufacturer Tetraedr. They claim the company has provided Putin with logistical support in the invasion.
The Anonymous collective has answered Ukraine’s call for hackers to strike and is now taking part in spam and malware attacks against Russia those listed on the database.
They have already succeeded in taking down some of the country’s top propaganda websites.
On the other side of the coin, a Russia-based cybercrime group has vowed to attack the Kremlin’s enemies if they respond to the invasion of Ukraine.
The Conti group said it was announcing its ‘full support’ for the government of President Vladimir Putin.
They said: ‘If anybody will decide to organise a cyberattack or any war activities against Russia, we are going to use our all possible resources to strike back at the critical infrastructures of an enemy.’
Ukraine has been hammered by digital intrusions and denial-of-service attacks both in the run-up to and during the Russian invasion.
Russia-Ukraine war: Everything you need to know
Fierce fighting has broken out in Kyiv as Russian forces descend on Ukraine’s capital city.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the Ukrainian army to overthrow the democratically-elected government in a chilling TV address.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the conflict as a ‘catastrophe for our continent’, and imposed a fresh sanctions package that personally targets Putin.
However, the President has shown no signs of de-escalating anytime soon.
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Follow Metro.co.uk’s live blog for rolling coverage of conflict as it happens.
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