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Russian FSB cybersecurity implosion continues with more arrests

3 points by burgessct 10y ago

burgessct 10y ago
Followup to: Russia’s FSB Cybersecurity Team Implodes” of 26 January
wahern 10y ago
I wonder if this is a result of Obama ordering American intelligence agencies to stir the pot. The January 26th article[1] seems to suggest that the crackdown began around the time of the U.S. election. Although, maybe the phrasing was merely intended as an editorial flourish that implies a more specific timeline than intended. But it would make heaps of sense for Obama to make threats of future retaliation all the while plans had long already been put into motion. It would be an especially smart strategy considering that one of the dilemmas of retaliation was risking exposing American intelligence sources. And Obama participating to such an extent in the deception and distraction is not only ingenious, but probably would have been quite cathartic for him given his personal dislike of Putin. Obviously quite speculative and perhaps wishful thinking. But Russian meddling in the election was known to the US long before the November election. Obama even said he personally spoke to Putin about it last summer, after which Obama claimed it stopped. And for all his faults, Obama is still a rather principled man as far as politicians go. Obama may have never have had any intention of letting it slide, whether or not Hillary won. And indeed, setting plans in motion before the election would have insulated Obama from some serious ethical criticism regarding his motivations. (Albeit quaint ethical criticism in our brave, new political era.) [1] http://www.prevendra.com/russias-fsb-cybersecurity-team-implodes/ http://www.prevendra.com/russias-fsb-cybersecurity-team-impl...
- burgessct 10y ago
  Good question .. I crafted a piece back in October and another in November on the Russians targeting the US elections (the RNC, DNC and all the candidates in January 2016 were given a warning directly from the FBI to tighten up their cyber). Re the implosion within the FSB cyber team .. additional names continue to be revealed, and it would appear that the timing is politically driven for the best effect, while the case itself was put together in Oct/Nov and arrests made in December --- but not publicized until post Trump inauguration .. jury is still out on the rationale - I offered one person's opinion in the second piece on the implosion. CB

3 points by burgessct 10y ago

Followup to: Russia’s FSB Cybersecurity Team Implodes” of 26 January

I wonder if this is a result of Obama ordering American intelligence agencies to stir the pot. The January 26th article[1] seems to suggest that the crackdown began around the time of the U.S. election. Although, maybe the phrasing was merely intended as an editorial flourish that implies a more specific timeline than intended. But it would make heaps of sense for Obama to make threats of future retaliation all the while plans had long already been put into motion. It would be an especially smart strategy considering that one of the dilemmas of retaliation was risking exposing American intelligence sources. And Obama participating to such an extent in the deception and distraction is not only ingenious, but probably would have been quite cathartic for him given his personal dislike of Putin. Obviously quite speculative and perhaps wishful thinking. But Russian meddling in the election was known to the US long before the November election. Obama even said he personally spoke to Putin about it last summer, after which Obama claimed it stopped. And for all his faults, Obama is still a rather principled man as far as politicians go. Obama may have never have had any intention of letting it slide, whether or not Hillary won. And indeed, setting plans in motion before the election would have insulated Obama from some serious ethical criticism regarding his motivations. (Albeit quaint ethical criticism in our brave, new political era.) [1] http://www.prevendra.com/russias-fsb-cybersecurity-team-implodes/ http://www.prevendra.com/russias-fsb-cybersecurity-team-impl...

burgessct 10y ago
Good question .. I crafted a piece back in October and another in November on the Russians targeting the US elections (the RNC, DNC and all the candidates in January 2016 were given a warning directly from the FBI to tighten up their cyber). Re the implosion within the FSB cyber team .. additional names continue to be revealed, and it would appear that the timing is politically driven for the best effect, while the case itself was put together in Oct/Nov and arrests made in December --- but not publicized until post Trump inauguration .. jury is still out on the rationale - I offered one person's opinion in the second piece on the implosion. CB