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On December 11, anti-war advocate Grigory Sverdlin took to Telegram to reveal a striking development: an anonymous hacking collective had penetrated the digital infrastructure of Mikord, a vital player in Russia’s military draft database. This breach is noteworthy, as it not only compromised sensitive information but also incapacitated the system responsible for managing military enlistments.
Sverdlin, who heads the organization Get Lost, stated that the hackers reached out to his group, claiming responsibility for the cyberattack and sharing a vast collection of documents. “They had access for several months and provided us with an extensive amount of data from the registry,” he noted. In response to this, an investigative report by iStories is expected to emerge soon, unveiling further insights into the matter.
The implications of the breach
According to Sverdlin, the repercussions of this cyber intrusion are profound. He asserts that the hackers have effectively disrupted the operations of the Unified Military Register, which is essential for managing conscription in Russia. “For several months, this massive database—containing around 30 million records—will be unable to issue draft notices,” he declared.
Understanding the Unified Military Register
The Unified Military Register is designed to compile data on eligible citizens from various governmental databases. The Russian Defense Ministry administers the system, using it to issue draft summonses while collaborating with other agencies such as the FSB and the Tax Service. Once a draft notice is issued, whether electronically or through registered mail, the individual is mandated to appear at a military enlistment office, which effectively bars them from leaving the country until compliance.
However, Sverdlin claims that this system will be inoperative for “at least a few months” as a result of the breach targeting Mikord. This assertion raises questions about the future of military conscription amidst ongoing conflicts.
The hackers’ motives and actions
During an interview with Meduza, Sverdlin refrained from speculating on the hackers’ motives for contacting Get Lost. He did, however, characterize them as Russian hackers with anti-war sentiments. “These individuals are committed to opposing the war,” he commented.
According to Sverdlin’s statements, the damage inflicted on Mikord’s systems is significant. The organization’s IT experts assessed the situation, concluding that restoring the compromised systems will take time. “The hackers erased crucial components of the system,” he explained. “Though there were backups, they have also been destroyed, complicating recovery efforts.”
Consequences for draftees and draft dodgers
Sverdlin mentioned that the Unified Military Register is currently non-operational, with its website down for several days. As of December 10, the registry was only functioning at a basic level. “The automatic mechanisms that prevent individuals from leaving the country or obtaining loans are not currently operational,” he added, though he noted that officials could still impose these restrictions manually.
As a result, the breach has drawn attention from numerous individuals seeking assistance in avoiding military service. Since the registry’s launch in July, inquiries to Get Lost have surged, with daily requests exceeding 100. “The anxiety surrounding the register’s implementation has driven many to seek our help,” Sverdlin explained.
A look ahead
Despite the chaos caused by the recent cyberattack, the Russian government maintains that the digital draft system will eventually resume full functionality. Sverdlin, however, believes that this setback will delay the system’s complete rollout, which was initially scheduled for November. He emphasized that the database, which includes extensive information on potential draftees, remains in a compromised state.
While the Defense Ministry has dismissed these allegations as mere “fake news,” Sverdlin assures that the forthcoming investigation by iStories will shed light on the hackers’ findings, including details about the individuals and companies involved in the creation of the Unified Military Register. “We have insights into those profiting from government contracts related to this project,” he concluded, indicating that the public would soon have access to this information.