Since the start of the Ukraine war, Russian state-backed hackers have engaged in network infiltration and espionage operations against 128 businesses in 42 countries that are allied with Ukraine, Microsoft claimed in a new report.

While Russian hackers prioritised NATO governments, they have also launched attacks against think tanks, humanitarian organisations, IT companies, and critical infrastructure. Microsoft estimates that 29% of identified attacks were successful, with a quarter of those leading to data theft. Microsoft also asserts that Russia is conducting an information war to influence public opinion in favour of the conflict domestically and overseas.