Russian-Backed Laundry Bear Hacks Dutch Police, NATO, EU Networks

Dutch intelligence agencies have identified a previously unknown Russian hacker group, nicknamed Laundry Bear, as responsible for a cyberattack on the Dutch police and other Western institutions, including NATO members, in 2024. This group, believed to be supported by the Russian state, targeted sensitive data related to the procurement and production of military equipment by Western governments and Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. The hackers breached a Dutch police employee's account in September 2024, stealing work-related contact information of tens of thousands of officers using sophisticated techniques such as pass-the-cookie attacks. Laundry Bear also conducted espionage against companies producing high-end technology restricted to Russia due to Western sanctions. Dutch intelligence agencies have published detailed reports on Laundry Bear's methods to help governments, manufacturers, and suppliers defend against such cyber threats. Officials warn that Laundry Bear is likely to expand its operations and continue targeting entities involved in the Ukraine conflict and Western military support.