Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 13, 2026

Snake (malware)

Snake was malware developed by the Federal Security Service of Russia. It was one of the most used tools by FSB's Center 16 and formed a part of the Turla toolset. The malware was reportedly deployed in at least 50 countries, targeting government systems, diplomatic communications, and research institutions to gather data.

Last revised
Jun 13, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
195 w
Citations
6
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Snake
Malware details
ClassificationSpyware
OriginRussia
AuthorFederal Security Service

Snake was malware developed by the Federal Security Service of Russia. It was one of the most used tools by FSB's Center 16 and formed a part of the Turla toolset.1 The malware was reportedly deployed in at least 50 countries, targeting government systems, diplomatic communications, and research institutions to gather data.23

History

Its development began in 2003 as “Uroburos”. By early 2004, development was finished and cyber operations using the malware had started.4 On 8 May 2023, under Operation MEDUSA, the FBI and other agencies took down Snake's infrastructure.56

References

References

  1. "Hunting Russian Intelligence "Snake" Malware | CISA". www.cisa.gov. 2023-05-09. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  2. "The Epic Turla (snake/Uroburos) attacks". www.kaspersky.com. 2023-04-19. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  3. Skulmoski, Greg (2023-05-11). "It's being called Russia's most sophisticated cyber espionage tool. What is Snake, and why is it so dangerous?". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  4. "Snake Malware". Atos. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  5. "Office of Public Affairs | Justice Department Announces Court-Authorized Disruption of Snake Malware Network Controlled by Russia's Federal Security Service | United States Department of Justice". www.justice.gov. 2023-05-09. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  6. "National Security Agency/Central Security Service > Press Room > Press Releases & Statements > Press Release View". www.nsa.gov. Retrieved 2024-03-09.