Hackers linked to the Russian military have exploited a previously undisclosed Windows security flaw, according to Microsoft, as President Putin looks to strip the software out of government offices and firms.
US senior intelligence officials have told NBC News the Russian leader is planning to replace all foreign software with domestic alternatives, and has already blocked LinkedIn, which is being bought by Microsoft. The software maker said in an advisory on its website there had been a small number of attacks using "spear phishing" emails from a hacking group known Strontium, which is more widely known as "Fancy Bear," or APT 28. Microsoft did not identify any victims.
Washington has accused Moscow of launching an unprecedented hacking campaign aimed at disrupting and discrediting the upcoming election.