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The
Shadow Brokers group said in an announcement on the internet
that it has not yet determined what files will be in the
collection. It has previously said it has access to tools for
hacking into web mobile handsets and Microsoft Corp's <MSFT.O>
Windows 10 operating system, web browsers and network routers.
It is not clear whether the group actually possesses those
tools, or would make good on its promise to release them.
Security researchers have urged taking the threat seriously
after the Shadow Brokers released a group of NSA hacking tools
in April, including one that was used to launch this month's
massive "WannaCry" cyber attack.
WannaCry crippled some 300,000 computers worldwide, causing
disruptions at hospitals, post offices, auto plants and
government offices.
"This is potentially disastrous," said Matt Suiche, founder of
cyber security firm Comae Technologies, who closely follows the
Shadow Brokers.
It is not clear who is behind the Shadow Brokers, though some
security experts have said they believe the group is tied to the
Russian government and working to embarrass the United States.
NSA officials could not be reached for comment on Tuesday. The
agency has declined to say if it built the hacking tools
released by Shadow Brokers, or discuss the group's activities.
A Microsoft representative said she had no immediate comment.
The company said on May 16 that it was aware of Shadow Broker's
claims that it had tools for hacking Windows 10, adding that its
staff were actively monitoring emerging cyber threats.
(Reporting by Jim Finkle in Toronto and Dustin Volz in
Washington; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
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