📷A view shows the Russian flag on the facade of a historic building alongside the American flag on the facade of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia March 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yulia Morozova/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
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Aug 20 (Reuters) – Hackers associated with some of Russia’s most prolific cyber espionage units have over the last year been leveraging a vulnerability in older Cisco software to target thousands of networking devices associated with critical infrastructure IT systems, the FBI and Cisco said on Wednesday.
Hackers working within the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Center 16 are extracting “device configuration information en masse, which can later be leveraged as needed based on then-current strategic goals and interests of the Russian government,” Cisco Talos researchers Sara McBroom and Brandon White wrote in a
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published to the company’s blog.
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In a
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, the FBI said that over the last year it had detected the hackers collecting configuration files “for thousands of networking devices associated with U.S. entities across critical infrastructure sectors.”
In some cases the configuration files are modified to enable long-term access for the hackers, who use that access to conduct reconnaissance in targeted networks, with a particular interest in industrial control systems.
The Russian embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. Moscow denies conducting cyber espionage operations.
The hackers are exploiting a seven-year-old vulnerability in Cisco IOS software, targeting unpatched and end-of-life network devices, according to a separate
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published on Wednesday by Cisco Talos, Cisco’s threat intelligence research unit.
Other state-backed hackers are likely conducting similar hacking operations targeting the devices, the Cisco Talos researchers wrote.
Organizations within the telecommunications, higher education and manufacturing sectors across North America, Asia, Africa and Europe have been most targeted, “with victims selected based on their strategic interest to the Russian government,” the researchers said.
The hacking unit linked to the activity has been operating for at least a decade, according to the researchers, and is likely a subgroup within the FSB’s Center 16. In March 2022 the U.S. Department of Justice
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four Russian nationals within the group of illegally targeting the global energy sector between 2012 and 2018.
Reporting by AJ Vicens in Detroit; Editing by Daniel Wallis
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Cybersecurity correspondent covering cybercrime, nation-state threats, hacks, leaks and intelligence
Leuven – On August 24, 2025, Leuven hosted the final stage of the five-day Renewi Tour, which was won by Arnaud De Lie. This race replaces the historic 1963 GP Poeske Scherens, with plans for more significant events to follow, reports 24brussels.
The city’s efforts to position itself as a cycling hub were highlighted during the event, which featured a thrilling sprint finish that saw De Lie take the victory, with Mathieu van der Poel finishing in second place.
Starting next year, the final stage will be renamed the Grote Prijs Poeske Scherens, celebrating a cycling legend from Leuven. This prestigious race has united both amateur and professional cyclists since its inception in 1963.
Leuven is scheduled to host several significant competitions in the near future. The Simac Ladies Tour, set for September 2, 2025, will be the only UCI Women’s WorldTour stage race in the Benelux region, with stages passing through the city center. Additionally, the World Gravel Championships will return to Leuven on October 19, 2025.
Sports Alderman Christophe Stockman (Vooruit) emphasized that Leuven’s vision extends beyond professional racing. The city is investing in G-sport competitions to create opportunities for athletes with disabilities, affirming its commitment to bringing top-tier international races while promoting inclusivity.
Carl Vansteenkiste, an organizer with Golazo, indicated that Leuven provides the ideal conditions for international sporting events. “We love coming here because the city offers so many possibilities for sporting events,” he stated.
“We love coming here because the city offers so many possibilities for sporting events,”
He explained that Leuven is more than just a venue with suitable facilities and routes. The enthusiasm of the spectators adds significant energy to the events. The city’s youthful population and vibrant student community foster strong support along the courses, proven by the success of previous high-profile events.
“We always used to come to the GP Poeske Scherens, even taking time off work. We’d come especially from Hulsthout,”
Noted cycling enthusiast Clemoniek shared her memories of the event.
“There was a bit less activity on the sports front for a while, but now a lot is going on again. You see the riders passing by here very often; it’s worth it.”
Leuven boasts a rich sports history, beginning with the establishment of the Grote Prijs Poeske Scherens in 1963, honoring world sprint champion Jef “Poeske” Scherens, who was a dominant force in cycling from 1932 to 1947.
The city also hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 2021, attracting large crowds and substantial media attention. More recently, Leuven was the site of the European Running Championships in 2023 and the World Gravel Championships in 2024.