A false flag is a cyberattack method that involves launching an attack and attempting to frame someone else for it. Creating a false flag can be very difficult and law enforcement could detect them for what they are if done wrong. To avoid this, the attackers use sophisticated tools and tactics to sell the conviction to any investigators.
False flags are essentially an attempt at misattribution. They can include erasing evidence of involvement or hiding proof of any tampering. The chances of success are down to the level of sophistication of the false flag and the tools available to law enforcement.
Examples of false flag tactics
In January of 2022, an individual launched an attack that affected over 70 of the Ukrainian government’s websites. The attack was designed to look like a made-up pro-Ukranian group did it, but investigators were able to trace it to Russian cybercriminals.
