A pro-Russian hacker has claimed several cyberattacks in France, mixing ideological activism with underground business. The ZATAZ Monitoring Service detected him.
In early September, several coordinated cyberattacks hit French institutions, including RTE and four banks. The operation, dubbed “OP France,” was claimed by a hacker calling himself Hider Nex. Detected by the ZATAZ Monitoring Service, this actor explicitly declares support for Russia while promoting a remote access trojan (VIP RAT V7.6). The event blurs the line between geopolitical hacktivism and commercial cybercrime. Behind a provocative French-speaking façade lies a clear strategy of information warfare—propaganda, blackmail, and shows of force. France, a recurring target, is once again in the crosshairs of hybrid cyberconflicts.
A wave of attacks under an ideological banner
On September 2, the websites of BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Banque Populaire Grand Ouest, and Banque Populaire Aquitaine Centre Atlantique suffered distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, rendering them temporarily inaccessible. The next day, at 1:41 p.m., the official RTE (power transmission network) portal was hit by a similar attack. These coordinated actions, claimed in a message signed “Hider Nex,” did not go unnoticed. The ZATAZ Monitoring Center, which specializes in detecting weak cyber signals, quickly identified the operation as “OP France.” In a mix of clumsy French and English, the author addressed the country directly: “Bonsoir France. Est-ce que tu vas bien? Je ne pense pas. I speak French well.”
The provocative tone fits into an information warfare logic. In his manifesto, Hider Nex clearly states his allegiance: explicit support for Russia, open hostility toward France. Yet ideology is only a veneer; beneath it lies a far more structured activity.
RAT : underground business on display
The same hacker doesn’t just strike—he sells. Alongside his claims, another message circulates: the advertisement of a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) called VIP RAT V7.6. This malware allows remote control of a computer, often without the owner’s knowledge, enabling data theft, malware installation, or surveillance of the victim’s every move.
The hacker’s dual activity—activism and tool sales—shows the tension between political posturing and the underground economy. His true motivation is likely more cynical than patriotic. This approach, where ideology serves as cover for commercial gain, is now common in contemporary cyber ecosystems. It legitimizes actions while generating side revenue.
A signature behind the mask
According to initial observations by the ZATAZ Monitoring Service, the actor may be a young man. His identity remains vague, but linguistic clues and digital traces connect him to other similar operations in the region. While the claim is explicit, the true origin is less clear. This ambiguity is exactly what hybrid profiles seek—between propaganda, subcontracting, and calculated provocation.
The pro-Russian stance, often seen in disinformation and cyberattacks against the West, may only be a narrative lever. Still, it fuels a climate of digital insecurity where political and commercial motivations blur. By targeting essential services (energy, banks) and showing blatant contempt for French sovereignty, Operation OP France follows a larger trend: low-intensity cyberattacks with high symbolic impact.
In just a few days, what seemed like a marginal operation revealed the new dynamics of cyber threats: ideology, commerce, and provocation. The challenge is not only technical but informational. France is being targeted both for its institutions and for what it represents, requiring vigilance. Behind a pseudonym, an ironic message, or a trojan horse often lies more than just a lone hacker. Is this an isolated signal or the prelude to a wider campaign in the coming weeks?
