The United States has announced a $10 million reward for three Russian nationals accused of conducting cyberattacks against its critical infrastructure. The move comes after an investigation revealed large-scale and coordinated hacking activities attributed to a special unit of the Federal Security Service (FSB) known as “Berserk Bear.”
Exploiting old Cisco flaw to target global energy firms
According to The Register, U.S. investigators found that Russian operatives exploited a long-known vulnerability in Cisco equipment, first patched in 2018, to infiltrate networks. The hackers allegedly targeted more than 500 energy companies across 135 countries, embedding themselves within critical systems in ways that could potentially paralyze entire energy sectors. Tools such as the SYNful Knock malware were reportedly deployed, underscoring the development of specialized software designed to bypass standard security defenses.
National security risks and economic vulnerabilities
The findings highlight significant risks for the United States. Penetrations of energy networks could disrupt hospitals, transport hubs and even military facilities, creating widespread chaos. Beyond infrastructure sabotage, Russia’s actions pose a direct threat to economic security, with potential disruptions in logistics, finance and energy markets leading to multibillion-dollar losses. Investigators also warned that access to defense contractors could expose sensitive information on weapons and logistics, directly undermining U.S. national security.
Cyberattacks as tools of coercion and propaganda
The use of outdated vulnerabilities as a persistent weapon has fueled concerns that the Kremlin views cyberattacks not only as technical sabotage but also as instruments of psychological warfare. System failures and mass disruptions erode public trust in government and amplify perceptions of insecurity. By exposing U.S. reliance on outdated systems, Russia also seeks to weaken Washington’s credibility among allies and bolster its own propaganda narrative about American vulnerability in cyberspace.
Call for international cooperation
Officials emphasized that the decision to publicize the reward signals Washington’s determination to enlist international partners in tracking and detaining cybercriminals. The case underscores the importance of intelligence sharing between the United States, Europe and Asia to detect and counter large-scale cyber operations. Without such collective action, experts warn, the U.S. risks facing global cyber aggression alone, diminishing its strategic edge in an era where cyberweapons increasingly resemble tools of deterrence comparable to nuclear arsenals.
