An OSINT investigation has revealed the internal structure and geographic footprint of Russia’s Center 16, a secretive FSB unit involved in electronic surveillance and cyber espionage. The findings, based on analysis of commemorative badges, identified at least ten directorates within the unit, each associated with a unique Cyrillic letter, as well as two regional branches. These badges also provided clues about the functions of each department, such as network operations and internal communications security, and allowed researchers to geolocate ten radio-electronic surveillance facilities across Russia. These facilities, including sites near Sochi and in Kaliningrad, form a strategic interception network for monitoring communications, including potential surveillance of NATO operations.
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Since May 2022, Chinese government-linked hackers have repeatedly targeted Russian companies and government agencies, seeking classified information and military secrets, despite public pronouncements of a strengthened Sino-Russian partnership and pledges against cyberattacks. These attacks, including operations impersonating Russian entities and targeting Rostec, suggest a Chinese effort to gain intelligence on Russia’s military activities and technological advancements. While the success of these operations remains unclear due to a likely lack of Kremlin comment, a recent FSB document reveals a growing internal Russian assessment of China as a significant security threat. This underscores a hidden tension beneath the surface of the publicly displayed friendship between the two nations.
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China’s recent accusations against the United States, specifically naming three alleged NSA agents—Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson—for launching advanced cyberattacks during the Asian Winter Games, have ignited a firestorm of online debate. The accusations, publicized through Xinhua, detail attacks targeting essential industries in Heilongjiang province, including energy, transportation, water conservancy, communications, and national defense research institutions. The report also implicated the University of California and Virginia Tech in these alleged activities, though the specifics of their involvement remain unclear.
The timing of these accusations is particularly interesting, coinciding with a period of heightened geopolitical tension between the US and China.… Continue reading
A Norwegian student in his twenties, employed as a security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, was arrested and charged with espionage for Russia and Iran. The suspect, who also runs a security company, admitted to collecting and sharing information but denies espionage charges, claiming he obtained information potentially harming third-country security. Authorities are investigating the security company’s license and confirmed the man’s intelligence-related activity damaged national security. This marks the second espionage case involving the Arctic University of Norway in recent years, highlighting heightened security concerns given Norway’s proximity to Russia.
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A security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Norway, Mohamed Orahhou, 27, has been accused of espionage, allegedly sharing sensitive information with both Russian and Iranian intelligence services. This revelation has sparked a flurry of online reactions, ranging from humorous speculation to serious concerns about national security.
The gravity of the situation cannot be understated. Orahhou’s alleged actions represent a serious breach of trust and a potential compromise of sensitive U.S. interests within Norway. The fact that he reportedly cooperated with both Russian and Iranian intelligence agencies suggests a sophisticated and potentially deeply embedded operation, raising questions about the extent of the damage and the methods used to recruit him.… Continue reading
China’s sophisticated hacking operations have undeniably penetrated deep into the infrastructure of U.S. telecommunications companies. This isn’t some isolated incident; it represents a pattern of exploitation, leveraging vulnerabilities to gain access and potentially steal valuable data. The scale of this intrusion is deeply concerning, raising serious questions about national security and the integrity of our critical communications systems.
The alarming reality is that these breaches often exploit outdated technology. Many telecommunications systems rely on decades-old protocols and interfaces, leaving them vulnerable to attacks that would be easily thwarted with modern security measures. This points to a critical need for upgrades and improvements across the sector, a move that seems urgently necessary given the current threat landscape.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood