Journalistic investigation reveals secret cyber-warfare training at Bauman University

A cross-border journalistic investigation, involving outlets such as The Insider, Le Monde, and Der Spiegel, has identified a secret department within the Bauman Moscow State Technical University. The report claims that a facility known as Department 4 or 'Special Training' is integrated into the university to train students for the Russian military intelligence agency, GRU. Leaked internal documents suggest that curricula include hacking techniques, DDoS attacks, the development of trojans, and the study of foreign intelligence infrastructure like the CIA, FBI, and NSA. Approximately 10 to 15 students are reportedly recruited annually into GRU units, including the group known as Fancy Bear (APT28). The investigation highlights a connection between this academic setting and broader state-led cyber operations. While Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the university last April to discuss space exploration, the existence of this secret training program was not officially disclosed. Similar programs were also reported at the MIREA Russian Technological University.