Killnet is a pro-Russia hacker group known for its denial-of-service attacks targeting government and private company websites in countries that supporting Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The group was reformed shortly after the invasion to oppose “Russophobes” and protect the interests of Russian citizens. Before the invasion, Killnet sold DDoS-for-hire services based on their botnet. Although KillNet’s objectives often align with official Russian government organizations such as the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) or the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), their ties are unconfirmed.
Killnet is the most media-savvy pro-Russia hacktivist group. The attention it generates has allowed it to create a large social following and a cluster of like-minded hacktivist groups that share and act on common objectives. Prominent members of the cluster include Anonymous Russia, Anonymous Sudan, Infinity Hackers Group, BEAR.IT.ARMY, Akur Group, Passion Group, SARD and National Hackers of Russia.
In July 2022, KillMilk, the enigmatic leader of Killnet announced his plans to leave the group after an upcoming hack-and-leak operation against Lockheed Martin. Along with naming BlackSide as the group’s new leader, KillMilk announced a new direction in tactics geared towards more destructive attacks. The announcement, however, didn’t stick. Before long, the group was back to its old habits by targeting Western governments with DDoS attacks again.
In February 2023, Infinity Team, a collaboration between Killnet and Deanon Club, established its own forum and marketplace called Infinity. The forum offers advertisement space, paid status for those who want to perform business on the forum, and it currently offers a variety of hacking resources and services through its hack shop—including DDoS services.
In an intriguing twist of events, on March 12, 2023, KillMilk unveiled his newest venture: the Black Skills Private Military Hacker Company (PMHC). Black Skills aims to be the cyber equivalent the Wagner Private Military Company, an infamous Russian paramilitary organization. According to KillMilk, Black Skills PMHC is envisioned as a comprehensive hacktivist structure within the Russian community, complete with its own unique laws, objectives and an unwavering emphasis on discipline and order.
On May 25, Killnet introduced its first edition of the Dark School (telegra[.]ph/DARK-SHKOLA—KILLNET-04-04), a unique educational endeavor aimed at training individuals for various aspects of cyber warfare or for personal financial gain. The curriculum covers a wide array of topics, including DDOS, Google AdWords arbitrage, creation and promotion of fakes, carding, cyber intelligence, spyware use, social engineering, psychological warfare and sabotage methodology.
In June 2023, KillMilk disbanded the group’s main roster. The roster may be refreshed eventually, but only with new members who fit the stringent criteria set by KillMilk. The revised Killnet isn’t for armchair hackers and DDoSers, nor is it a platform for self-promotion or a ticket to overnight fame. Only the shrewdest minds, not the IT layabouts, will earn their place in the “new Killnet.” Exceptional students from the Dark School will receive an invitation to join.
See also:
US Civilian Network Infrastructure Targeted by Pro-Russian Hacktivists
Killnet Threat to Health and Public Sectors
Infinity Forum: Another Killnet Social Circle
Exploring Killnet's Social Circles
Rebooting Killnet, a New World Order and the End of the Tesla Botnet – Radware Blog
Telegram: hxxps://t.me/killnet_reservs