Cyber War: Hackers' Transformation from Cyber Criminals to Hacktivists

This Binary Defense report documents a surge in pro‑Russian hacktivist activity since the invasion of Ukraine—profiling groups such as KillNet, KillMilk, XakNet, and Joker DNR, describing coordinated DDoS and data‑leakage operations against Ukrainian and Western government and infrastructure targets (including claimed impacts to Starlink and attempts against defense contractors), noting increased organization, recruitment via Telegram, and possible coercion or alignment with Russian authorities, and warning of escalating, more destructive campaigns.