A joint investigation conducted by the British newspaper The Guardian alongside six Western media outlets has unveiled a secret program within Bauman Moscow State Technical University. This initiative is designed to train a new generation of Russian military intelligence operatives in electronic hacking skills and information manipulation, including interference in Western elections.
The investigation reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the university last April, where he discussed Russia's ambitious plans in space. However, he did not mention the secret department known as the Fourth Department or Special Training, which prepares students to work for the Russian military intelligence agency known as GRU.
Details of the Program
The Fourth Department focuses on preparing a select elite group of students, with the GRU accused of carrying out cyberattacks against Western parliaments and institutions, as well as interfering in European and American elections. The investigation was based on over 2,000 internal documents obtained through collaboration among six media organizations, including Der Spiegel and Le Monde.
The documents include curricula, exam records, and employee contracts, indicating that the GRU directly oversees the selection and evaluation of students, blurring the lines between education and intelligence recruitment.
Background & Context
The secret department is headed by Colonel Kirill Stubakov, who teaches subjects related to electronic eavesdropping and covert surveillance. The curriculum includes advanced spying tools, such as hidden cameras and software for recording keystrokes. General Victor Netyksho, the commander of the infamous hacking group Fancy Bear, is also involved in teaching.
Students receive intensive training in cyberattacks and password cracking, as well as developing Trojan horses. They are also required to conduct actual penetration tests and design computer viruses as part of their success requirements.
Impact & Consequences
The program extends beyond hacking, encompassing information warfare and political propaganda, where students are tasked with creating disinformation campaigns via social media. The educational materials adopt the Kremlin's official narrative regarding the war in Ukraine, including discussions about the inevitability of war and accusations against nationalists for controlling the country.
Documents indicate that some graduates of the program have joined well-known cyber units, such as the Sandworm unit, which is accused of carrying out cyberattacks against several countries. The program continues to escalate in pace with what Western intelligence refers to as Russian hybrid attacks.
Regional Significance
Concerns are growing over the impact of these programs on cybersecurity in the Arab region, as some groups may adopt similar methods in executing their operations. The increasing use of technology in modern warfare raises questions about how Arab states can protect themselves from these threats.
In conclusion, this investigation reveals dark aspects of intelligence training programs in Russia, calling for international community attention to confront the rising cybersecurity threats.