Group-IB, a recognized information security company, confirmed a strategic shift in its Russian operations. The business portion within Russia has been sold to local shareholders and senior managers, according to statements shared with socialbites.ca. This move marks a clear reorientation of operations while aiming to preserve continuity and security standards for clients in the region.
Under the new arrangement, the Russian division will operate in the Russian Federation under the banner FAC.С.T. (Combating Cybercrime Technologies). The transition involves discontinuing use of the Group-IB brand within Russia by the end of the current year, while the parent company, based in Singapore, will continue to represent Group-IB on international markets. This separation aligns with a broader diversification strategy that seeks to strengthen local governance and investment while maintaining a robust global security posture.
Company representatives described the change as a deliberate repositioning that keeps Group-IB as a global brand for international clients, while enabling the newly established FAC.CT entity to focus on regional needs and regulatory environments in Russia. The arrangement was framed as ensuring ongoing access to advanced cybersecurity capabilities for customers without interruption, with commitments to uphold the same levels of service and protection in place prior to the restructuring.
Valery Baulin, who leads FAC.CT, previously headed Group-IB’s Russia division. In remarks reported by the firm, Baulin emphasized that the restructuring would not compromise client security or the integrity of security operations. He stressed that the Russian team would continue to prioritize threat intelligence, incident response, digital forensics, and proactive defense measures—albeit under a new organizing name and corporate structure.
The development follows prior coverage by socialbites.ca regarding Group-IB’s investigative work, including assessments of emerging online risks and fraudulent activity. The company’s leadership indicated that the Russia-based entity would maintain a strong focus on combating cybercrime, while leveraging local expertise and governance to support regional clients and ongoing security initiatives.
Industry observers note that such reorganizations can help multinational cybersecurity groups adapt to evolving market conditions, regulatory expectations, and customer needs. By separating the Russian operations from the international brand, Group-IB aims to preserve trust with global clients while enabling FAC.CT to operate with greater responsiveness to local dynamics. In practical terms, this can translate to streamlined decision-making, clearer accountability, and tailored service delivery that aligns with Russia’s digital security priorities.
From a customer perspective, the change is expected to be largely seamless. Companies relying on Group-IB’s capabilities should continue to access the same suites of services, including threat hunting, incident response, and security analytics, even as the branding and corporate oversight evolve. The separation is described as a branding and corporate strategy, not a reduction in the capability or dedication of the security teams involved.
Analysts highlight that the transition may influence partner ecosystems and regional collaborations. Local stakeholders may assume greater influence over investments, hiring, and strategic partnerships within the FAC.CT framework, while international agreements and service levels are maintained through the Singapore-based parent organization. The move signals a nuanced approach to balancing local governance with global reach in the cyber defense sector.
The industry continues to watch how FAC.CT will position itself in a competitive landscape shaped by rising demand for advanced threat intelligence, cloud security, and regulatory compliance. As Russia and other markets accelerate their digital transformations, the ability to deliver resilient protection against evolving cyber threats will remain a central measure of success for both the new entity and Group-IB’s international operations. It remains to be seen how the full spectrum of offerings will evolve under FAC.CT while preserving the core expertise that has defined Group-IB on the world stage.
In summary, the reorganized Russian division now operates under FAC.CT with a local leadership team and a continued emphasis on robust cybersecurity outcomes. The international arm of Group-IB, headquartered in Singapore, will keep representing the brand abroad. Clients and partners can expect ongoing commitment to security excellence through coordinated strategies, shared knowledge, and proven technical capabilities across both entities. The transition is positioned as a strategic adjustment designed to amplify regional effectiveness while preserving the integrity of Group-IB’s international footprint. For now, the focus remains on delivering strong protection, rapid response, and proactive cyber defense across markets.