The industrialization of digital warfare in corporate disputes has been highlighted by a hack-for-hire operation linked to ExxonMobil targeting over 500 climate activists and journalists. This operation, known as “Fox Hunt,” utilized mercenary hackers, PR firms, and legal teams to weaponize stolen information through phishing campaigns and plausible deniability. The operation disrupts climate change litigation against Exxon, with leaked emails used in court filings to discredit environmental advocates. The elaborate four-layer burrito of blame includes Exxon, PR firm DCI Group, Israeli PI Amit Forlit, and Indian hackers BellTroX. This case exemplifies the emergence of Industrialized Digital Espionage as a Service with far-reaching implications for advocacy and journalism.
https://www.vulnu.com/p/inside-exxonmobils-alleged-hack-for-hire-campaign-targeting-climate-activists