September 16, 2024 at 12:36PM The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on five executives and one entity associated with the Intellexa Consortium for developing and distributing Predator commercial spyware. This spyware, used by state-sponsored actors and governments, allowed access to sensitive information on victims’ smartphones. The sanctions aim to deter the misuse … Read more
July 26, 2024 at 05:00AM The U.S. Department of Justice indicted a North Korean operative for ransomware attacks on healthcare facilities to fund illicit activities. The U.S. Department of State offered up to $10 million for information. The operative is linked to a hacking crew deploying the Maui ransomware, targeting U.S. Air Force bases and … Read more
April 9, 2024 at 10:09AM The US government is offering bounties for information on ransomware gangs, but challenges remain in collecting information due to rigorous conditions and low payouts. Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of a criminal law enforcement approach in addressing ransomware attacks, compounded by the potential involvement of adversarial nations like Russia. … Read more
April 3, 2024 at 09:18AM A review board appointed by the Biden administration heavily criticized Microsoft’s corporate security and transparency. The report highlighted a cascade of errors that allowed state-backed Chinese cyber operators to breach email accounts of senior U.S. officials. The board urged substantial security improvements and a cultural change at Microsoft to prevent … Read more
February 15, 2024 at 01:57PM The U.S. State Department is offering rewards of up to $10 million for information on the ALPHV/Blackcat ransomware gang leaders and an additional $5 million for tips on individuals involved in ALPHV ransomware attacks. The FBI linked the gang to over 60 breaches and over $300 million in ransom payments. … Read more
February 12, 2024 at 03:30PM The State Department’s move aligns with international law enforcement’s Hive infrastructure takedown. Based on the meeting notes, it appears that the State Department’s action is meant to align with and support a coordinated effort by international law enforcement to dismantle a Hive infrastructure. Full Article
February 8, 2024 at 10:03PM The US government has presented a $5 million reward for Hive ransomware gang members, reinforcing an existing $10 million reward. The FBI has added a $5 million reward for information leading to arrests. Following the FBI’s control of the gang’s network, decryption keys were provided to over 1,300 victims, preventing … Read more
February 8, 2024 at 01:04PM The U.S. State Department is offering rewards of up to $10 million for information on the Hive ransomware gang, known for extorting $100 million from companies globally. The FBI infiltrated Hive’s network, providing decryption keys to victims and preventing $130 million in ransom payments. The rewards total over $135 million … Read more
February 5, 2024 at 03:26PM The State Department led by Antony J. Blinken introduced a visa restriction policy targeting individuals linked to the misuse of commercial spyware, citing it as a threat to human rights and U.S. security. The Biden Administration issued an Executive Order to prevent the use of mercenary surveillance tools, and the … Read more