The government-backed hackers exploited fake friends and family with spear-phishing lures, according to research published Wednesday.

The work has been carried out by a newly identified group dubbed "MustachedBouncer," according to researchers with ESET.

Pro-Russian hacktivist channels amplified the Belarusian disinformation campaign, marking an interesting development, researchers said.

The release seems designed to drive a wedge between Russia and its close ally Russia.

Multiple ongoing hacking efforts are either connected to or using the Russian military assault to target a wide range of entities.

The Threat Analysis Group report sheds light on international efforts to leverage the war in hacking campaigns.

Polish, Ukrainian and European targets are facing a barrage of cyber operations, researchers say.

A phishing campaign aimed at countries taking refugees is potentially linked to a group known to researchers as TA445, UNC1151 or Ghostwriter.

Policymakers have been applying pressure to social media giants to hold back the tide of disinformation.

U.S. companies are also advising Ukrainians to lock down their accounts.