Attack on UWC: hackers intensify activity ahead of NATO summit

Hackers targeted the Ukrainian World Congress in a new cyberattack. Criminals created a copy of the English-language version of the UWC website, where malicious files are being distributed under the guise of materials for the NATO Summit, intended for Ukrainian communities worldwide.

“The use of the name of the Ukrainian World Congress public organization, as well as the topic of Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as bait, may indicate that the described cyberattack is related to the NATO Summit, which will be held on July 11-12, 2023 in Vilnius (Republic of Lithuania),” State Special Communications Service of Ukraine confirms.

Those involved in the attack tried to distort a legitimate resource by making insignificant and hard-to-notice changes to the web address. In particular, they changed the ending from “org” to “info.” The Ukrainian World Congress urges you to use only the official website of the organization – https://www.ukrainianworldcongress.org 

Efforts to identify the perpetrators continue. According to specialists, the attack aimed to disrupt the UWC #UkraineInNATO advocacy campaign ahead of the NATO summit.

“The Ukrainian World Congress is once again the target of Russia’s attacks.  As the voice of the global Ukrainian community in more than 65 countries of the world, we pose a serious threat to the Kremlin’s propaganda machine, especially before the NATO summit. Cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and continued provocations by Russia’s agents will not stop us. Our communities continue their advocacy work around the world ahead of the NATO summit. The UWC will be on the ground working in Vilnius.  We will be active on mass on the streets, with decision makers, in the media, and at the Summit directly engaging the leaders to ensure admission of Ukraine to NATO – join our campaign!” the UWC president said.

Previously, in March, Russia attacked another UWC resource, particularly the Unite with Ukraine website. Then, the UWC technical team successfully repelled the attack and ensured the website’s functionality and data security.