Hackers Target Belarus Rail Network to Disrupt Russian Military Movements

A cyberattack disrupted Belarus' national railway infrastructure as Russian forces continued flowing into the country by train. An independent hacking group called the Belarusian Cyber-Partisans claimed responsibility for the operation.

Russia has deployed thousands of troops to Belarus in recent weeks, along with tanks, ballistic missiles, and combat aircraft. Most equipment arrived by rail for large-scale exercises scheduled through February.

The Cyber-Partisans posted demands on Twitter, including releasing 50 political prisoners and preventing Russian troops from remaining in Belarus. According to reports, the hackers encrypted most servers, databases, and workstations to slow operations while destroying backups. The attack affected ticketing, scheduling, and freight deliveries but avoided security and emergency systems.

A group representative told Ars Technica the attack succeeded because the railway network lacked proper security with many Internet entry points.

Hundreds of trains have delivered Russian hardware, including 12 Su-35 fighters and S-400 missile systems. A Polish analyst estimates that seven to ten battalion tactical groups containing 700 to 900 troops each arrived.

The drills called Allied Resolve occur along Belarus' borders with Ukraine and NATO members Poland and Lithuania. Russian forces in Belarus could force Ukraine to divert resources from other fronts.

The Cyber-Partisans stressed their goals extend beyond disrupting military movements. Belarus experienced widespread protests after President Lukashenko won a disputed 2020 election. Human Rights Watch describes an unprecedented government crackdown imprisoning journalists, opposition figures, and activists.