MP: Cyberattacks against Global Media Group targeted Azerbaijan's information sovereignty

Cyberattacks against Global Media Group were made systematically and purposefully to undermine national information sovereignty, said Azerbaijani MP Nagif Hamzayev.  

The attackers also sought to influence Azerbaijan's information space, and manipulate public opinion, Hamzayev told Report.

He emphasised that the purpose of the attacks was not only technical damage but also to erode public trust in the stability and reliability of the country’s information environment:

"The duration and intensity of the attacks indicate that these were not spontaneous, but rather pre-planned actions. The issue of cyberattacks originating from Russian territory is particularly sensitive in the context of bilateral relations. Solving this problem requires a balanced approach. Through diplomatic channels, the issue can be brought to the official level. I also believe it would be appropriate to create mechanisms for bilateral cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and form joint research groups to identify the sources of the attacks."

To recall, on February 20, a large-scale cyberattack disrupted several major Azerbaijani news portals. The attack, attributed to the cyber-espionage group APT29 (also known as Cozy Bear, Midnight Blizzard, and The Dukes), employed sophisticated technical methods. APT29 is known for targeting critical sectors, including government bodies, diplomatic missions, energy infrastructure, defence systems, and media, and is linked to Russian institutions.

The attack specifically targeted the infrastructure of Global Media Group, wiping out critical backup copies of media websites. It is believed that the cyber operation was politically motivated, triggered by Azerbaijan's actions towards the Russian Information and Cultural Centre and the potential closure of the "Russia Today" bureau.

Internal IP addresses and even the attackers' location in Azerbaijan were identified, making this a significant and targeted cyber operation.

By Khagan Isayev