Facebook Shuts Down the Network That Hacked Ukrainian Accounts

    Meta platforms disabled a disinformation network after it was found that they operated groups, accounts, and pages that targeted Ukraine on its social networks, as per a statement by the company on Sunday.

    Facebook also identified a threat actor, Ghostwriter, who has a track record of spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda and targeted and compromised many Ukrainian public figures’ accounts

    More on the story

    The platform saw an increase in the targeting of Ukrainian users with disinformation, and attempts were made to hijack their account in the past few days as Ukraine resists invasion by Russia. 

    According to Nathanial Gleicher, the head of security policy, Meta has strengthened its cybersecurity team with a unique operation center that quickly takes proactive steps to prevent further escalation to the conflict that has already taken center stage on the global news platform. 

    The coordinated inauthentic behavior policy of Facebook saw a breach over the last 48 hours that saw fake accounts posting contents and links that suggested western countries having let down Ukraine or Ukraine as a failed state. 

    The operation spanned multiple platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, Telegram, VK, a Russian social network, and independent news websites. 

    The fake accounts were based in Kyiv with profile images generated using artificial intelligence software and included a former aviation engineer and fictitious news editors.

    The campaign was disrupted by Meta, who coordinated with other social networks when the Facebook and Instagram accounts had less than 4000 followers and 500 followers, respectively. Meta is not linking these actions to Russia alone but said that similarities were found to the April 2020 CIB network that connected users in Russia, Crimea, and the Donbas region of Ukraine. 

    Gleicher said that Ghostwriter successfully hacked a few Ukrainian accounts. The group was alleged to sway voters in German elections earlier by targeting high-profile accounts and obtaining their login credentials to hack their social media accounts and spread disinformation. 

    One YouTube video showed Ukrainian soldiers waving the white flag and surrendering to the Russian military forces. Facebook secured the compromised accounts and alerted the targeted users, but it declined to identify the people affected. 

    Facebook continues to be accessed within Russia as per its Security Chief. Still, there are reports about the authorities in Russia throttling or taking down its services after the company rejected the country’s request to block contents within the borders.


    RELATED ARTICLES

    US-Ukraine talks

    US-Ukraine Talks: Zelensky Seeks Meaningful Outcomes Amid War

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes the subsequent talks between Ukraine and the United States will...
    OTT platforms

    OTT Platforms: Reviving Local Languages, Culture, and Heritage in India

    OTT systems have revolutionized content material intake in India, presenting audiences with admission to numerous...
    mental health

    Mental Health Awareness In India: Breaking The Stigma In 2025

    One of the aspects of our overall well-being is mental health, and it should not...
    women safety in India

    Women Safety in India: Key policy changes and ongoing challenges

    For an extended period, Indian society has maintained women's safety as both domestic and international...
    New Education Policy 2024

    New Education Policy 2024: Learning is Being Transformed

    Education in India has long been dependent on traditional methodologies that emphasize rote learning and...
    what is one way that technology can improve the distribution of goods?

    What is one way that technology can improve the distribution of goods?

    Technology has transformed almost all sectors, and logistics is no exception. To answer the question,...
    AI in workplace

    AI in Workplace: Empowering People to Unlock AI’s Full Potential

    The modern workspace sees a shift. Are we ready for the changes brought by AI...
    Partnership

    General Partnership Agreement Template: Easy Steps to Follow

    When you begin business operations with a partnership the experience brings excitement regarding joint achievement...
    Movierulz VPN

    Movierulz VPN: Best VPNs to Watch Movies Anonymously

    Movierulz VPN is your ticket to unrestricted entertainment. Are you tired of geo-restrictions blocking your...
    Online MBA for Entrepreneurs How It Helps in Business Growth

    Online MBA for Entrepreneurs: How It Helps in Business Growth

    Entrepreneurship might be a tough but fruitful journey that requires both innovative ideas, leadership skills,...
    Top Email Marketing Companies to Supercharge Your Campaigns in 2025

    Top Email Marketing Companies to Supercharge Your Campaigns in 2025

    Email marketing remains a powerhouse channel in 2025, driving conversions and nurturing leads for businesses...