Tech
Tech Giants Declare War on Hacker Nickname Chaos! Fancy Bear vs. Forest Blizzard – New Public Glossary Decodes Cyber Threats
San Francisco, USA, June 3, 2025 – Major tech companies are tackling the confusing world of hacker group nicknames like Fancy Bear and Forest Blizzard with a new public glossary. Led by Microsoft, Google, CrowdStrike, and Palo Alto Networks, this unified guide aims to help businesses and governments better track cyber threats. Here’s what the plan involves and why it’s a big step forward.
Why the Confusion Matters
Hacker group names are a mess:
- One Russian group is called Forest Blizzard, Fancy Bear, and APT28—all the same team.
- Another, Cozy Bear, is also known as APT29 or Midnight Blizzard, behind major attacks.
- Many companies struggle to match these aliases, slowing down their response to hacks.
A clear naming system could change how the world fights cyberattacks.
What the Glossary Offers
The new guide has key tools:
- Unified Names: Links aliases like “APT28 = Fancy Bear = Forest Blizzard” for clarity.
- Group Details: Ties hackers to their countries and targets, such as North Korea’s Lazarus Group hitting crypto firms.
- Attack Methods: Explains their tools and tricks, from phishing emails to malware.
This makes it easier to understand who’s behind a cyberattack.
Top Hacker Groups Covered
The glossary highlights major players:
| Common Name | Tech Name | Government Alias | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fancy Bear | Forest Blizzard | APT28 | 2016 DNC hack |
| Cozy Bear | Midnight Blizzard | APT29 | SolarWinds attack |
| Lazarus Group | Zinc | Hidden Cobra | $1 billion crypto thefts |
These groups have caused some of the biggest cyber headaches.
What the Industry Thinks
Experts are weighing in:
- A Mandiant cybersecurity leader said, “This will save analysts countless hours untangling names.”
- A former NSA analyst asked, “Will nations like China or Russia use these names too?”
The move is seen as a win, but global adoption is uncertain.
What Changes Now
The glossary could reshape cybersecurity:
- Quicker Sharing: Companies can swap threat info faster with standard names.
- Lower Costs: Security teams spend less time training on confusing aliases.
- Clearer News: Media can report attacks without puzzling readers with multiple names.
These shifts aim to strengthen defenses worldwide.
When and Where to Find It
The rollout is set:
- Launch: Expected in Q3 2025, following final reviews by the tech group.
- Access: Hosted on a public platform, likely with tools for companies to integrate the data.
The guide will be free for all to use.