Russian printers hacked with anti-Putin messages as Anonymous targets companies

Amid the ongoing mass killings and destruction in Ukraine, a cyberwar targeting Russia is also ratcheting up.

Vladimir Putin has been widely condemned by the international community for the invasion of the neighbouring country, but hacking groups are hitting back the best way they know how.

GhostSec, part of the Anonymous collective, has reportedly hacked printers in Russia to print out anti-Putin and pro-Ukraine messages.

According to their social media account, over 10,000 of the messages have already been printed out, with more planned in the coming days.

"This isn't your war. This is your government's war," the message says.

"Your brothers and sisters are being lied to, some units think they're practicing military drills, however when they arrive to what they think is a drill they're greeted by bloodthirsty Ukrainians who want redemption and revenge from the damage that Putin's puppets cause upon the land."

Those reading are then told to open their eyes.

"God bless the Ukrainians and the Russian people. May justice be served hot and ready. To the government of Russia, may they experience the same anxiety Ukrainians have to endure every single day," it concluded.

Anonymous announced earlier this month it had hacked Russian television and streaming services to show anti-war messages following an earlier declaration of cyberwar.

It has since said it will start targeting companies who are still operating in Russia.

"We call on all companies that continue to operate in Russia by paying taxes to the budget of the Kremlin's criminal regime: Pull out of Russia!" the Twitter post said.

"We give you 48 hours to reflect and withdraw from Russia or else you will be under our target!"

The text was accompanied by an image featuring companies like Nestle, Chevron, Burger King and more. It was posted just before midday on Monday, March 21, NZ time.

Two of the identified companies, Schlumberger and Halliburton have withdrawn, although there's no evidence it was related to Anonymous's announcement.