A Google report reveals that state-sponsored hackers are increasingly targeting defence company employees directly, including through job applications and personal devices. Groups linked to Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China have used spoofed websites, fake job offers, and AI-powered profiling to steal credentials, gather sensitive information, and even obtain cryptocurrency.
Attacks have expanded beyond corporate networks to individual personnel, making detection harder. In Ukraine, Russian hackers targeted military personnel and drone units, with incidents rising 37% from 2024 to 2025. Experts warn that these campaigns are now transnational, affecting foreign contractors and consultants, highlighting the growing need for vigilance in the defence industry.
