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In a significant development amid the ongoing cyber-war between Russia and Ukraine, the two largest hacktivist groups involved in the conflict have publicly committed to de-escalating cyber-attacks. And they will adhere to a newly established set of 8 rules of engagement known as the “Geneva Code of cyber-war.” 

This groundbreaking agreement comes following the release of the first-ever set of rules for civilian hackers by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marking a critical step toward mitigating cyber-attacks’ impact on civilians in the region.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, there has been a relentless onslaught of disruptive cyber-attacks targeting public services in both Ukraine and Russia. 

These attacks, though largely unsophisticated, have successfully caused temporary disruptions to banks, companies, pharmacies, hospitals, railway networks, and civilian government services. And has affected the lives of ordinary citizens on both sides of the conflict. 

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ICRC 8 rules for hackers in an armed conflict

Claiming that “Cyberspace is not a lawless space – even wars have limits.” The document lists the “8 international humanitarian law-based rules.”

1. Do not direct cyber-attacks* against civilian objects.
2. Do not use malware or other tools or techniques that spread automatically and damage military objectives and civilian objects indiscriminately.
3. When planning a cyber-attack against a military objective, do everything feasible to avoid or minimize the effects your operation may have on civilians.
4. Do not conduct any cyber operation against medical and humanitarian facilities.
5. Do not conduct any cyber-attack against objects indispensable to the survival of the population or that can release dangerous forces.
6. Do not make threats of violence to spread terror among the civilian population.
7. Do not incite violations of international humanitarian law.
8. Comply with these rules even if the enemy does not.

IT Army of Ukraine versus  Killnet 

Hacktivist groups have often reveled in creating friction and turmoil among the general population, collecting social media posts from individuals impacted by their actions.

By publicly committing to uphold the ICRC rules, these hacktivist groups have taken a significant step toward avoiding cyber-attacks that harm civilians. 

This move reflects a growing recognition among these groups of the need to adhere to ethical and humanitarian standards even in the realm of cyber-warfare.

Killnet, a notorious pro-Russian hacking group led by its enigmatic figurehead, Killmilk, has been at the forefront of cyber-attacks in the region. 

Killmilk, who started the Telegram group for Killnet shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now commands a following of 90,000 members.

 Despite his controversial actions, including posting videos of himself desecrating the flags of Ukraine and NATO, he has expressed his agreement with the terms and rules set forth by the Red Cross. 

This surprising pledge from Killnet, which has been accused of having close ties to the Kremlin, holds the potential to reduce cyber-attacks on civilian targets, offering hope for a more peaceful digital landscape.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre had previously highlighted groups like Killnet as a rising threat to Ukraine’s allies.  UK businesses were cautioned about the increasing frequency of attacks originating from such groups. 

If Killnet follows through on its commitment, it could mark a significant reduction in cyber-attacks targeting civilian infrastructure.

Similarly, the IT Army of Ukraine, a group boasting 160,000 members on its Telegram channel, has also expressed its intention to adhere to the ICRC’s eight rules. 

This group, known for targeting public services such as railway systems and banks, has acknowledged that compliance may place them at a disadvantage compared to their adversaries. 

Cyber-War fought on Digital Battleground

Nevertheless, their commitment to follow these rules, especially with regard to healthcare targets, is a positive step toward responsible hacking practices.

While the agreement of these prominent hacktivist groups indicates a potential decline in the number of cyber-attacks on civilian targets, it’s important to note that not all hacktivist groups share this commitment. 

Some hacker groups have stated their intention to continue operating without adhering to the newly established rules.

The ICRC’s issuance of these eight rules of engagement signifies an attempt to curb the unchecked cyber warfare that has intensified during the Ukraine conflict. 

The organization has raised concerns about the unprecedented surge in individuals joining patriotic cyber-gangs and the need for ethical boundaries in this digital battleground. 

As the world watches, the implementation of the Geneva Code of cyber-war by key hacktivist groups will play a crucial role in determining the future of cyber-attacks in this tumultuous conflict.