Dutch intelligence agencies have identified a Russia-backed hacking group, dubbed “Laundry Bear,” as the force behind a series of cyberattacks targeting NATO, the Dutch police, and European government networks, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
The attacks, carried out in 2024, are part of a broader campaign of cyber-espionage aimed at undermining Western security and gaining access to restricted military and technological information.
Dutch Intelligence Links Hacker Group to Russian State
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) revealed that Laundry Bear was “most likely supported by the Russian state.” In a joint letter to the Dutch parliament, the agencies stated:
“The cyberattacks against Dutch institutions are part of a larger international cyber threat posed by the hacker group.”
The group remained undetected until a September 2024 cyber operation exposed its access to confidential data belonging to Dutch police officials.
NATO, High-Tech Firms Also Targeted
Investigators found that Laundry Bear also breached NATO networks and conducted cyber-espionage on companies producing high-end technologies that Russia cannot legally obtain due to Western sanctions over the Ukraine war.
The hackers focused on stealing sensitive data related to:
- Military procurement and production
- Western arms deliveries to Ukraine
- Defense-related technologies under export restrictions
Laundry Bear Active Since at Least 2024
The Dutch agencies confirmed that Laundry Bear has been operational since at least 2024, engaging in coordinated cyber operations against
- Western governments
- Military and law enforcement agencies
- Strategic technology manufacturers
The attacks were described as highly targeted, stealthy, and state-sponsored, with the group employing advanced techniques to avoid detection.
International Cybersecurity Implications
This revelation adds to growing concerns over state-sponsored cyber warfare, especially from Russia, amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine and broader NATO-Russia relations.
Western allies are expected to tighten cybersecurity measures, increase intelligence sharing, and coordinate countermeasures in response to the threat posed by groups like Laundry Bear.
