Are rabid squirrels and mosquito invasions part of a new Russian cyberattack campaign?
Offbeat articles on mystery website may be Moscow’s latest assault on American democracy, a US internet security firm claims
A new Russian influence operation has surfaced that mirrors some of the activity of an internet company that the FBI says was deeply involved in efforts to sway the 2016 US elections, a cybersecurity business claims.
A website called usareally.com appeared on the internet on May 17 and called on Americans to rally in front of the White House on June 14 to celebrate President Donald Trump’s birthday, which is also flag day.
FireEye, a California-based cybersecurity company, claims USA Really is a Russian-operated website that carries content designed to foment racial division, harden feelings over immigration, gun control and police brutality, and undermine social cohesion.
The web site’s operators once worked out of the same office building in St Petersburg, Russia, where the Kremlin-linked internet Research Agency had its headquarters, said Lee Foster, manager of information operations analysis for FireEye iSight Intelligence.
“We’re not saying [USA Really] is the internet Research Agency but there are a number of indicators that suggest it is,” Foster said.
