Summary: Ukraine’s military intelligence service (HUR) has recognized the civilian hacker group Laska for their contributions to national security, marking the first formal acknowledgment of non-military cybersecurity experts. Laska received the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky for their actions that have reportedly undermined Russia’s military capabilities since the onset of the full-scale invasion. Concerns about the legal status and protections for such civilian hacktivists continue to persist amidst their involvement in the ongoing cyberwar.

Affected: Ukraine’s Military Intelligence and Cybersecurity Landscape

Keypoints :

• HUR awarded Laska for their significant achievements in cybersecurity during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
• The group has been actively cooperating with military intelligence since the start of the full-scale invasion.
• Legal uncertainties surround the status of civilian hackers, raising concerns about their protections under international humanitarian law.
• Ukraine is considering creating a distinct cyber reserve to incorporate top members of the hacktivist community.