US Indicts Russian Hacker for Cyberattacks; $10M Reward Offered Amid Rising Threats to 2024 Olympics
June 28, 2024Amin Timovich Stigal, a Russian national and member of the state-sponsored threat actor Cadet Blizzard, has been indicted by the US Department of Justice.
Stigal is linked to Russia's GRU and charged with cyberattacks on Ukrainian government networks prior to the invasion, using pseudo-ransomware to destroy data and exfiltrate sensitive information.
He also targeted a federal agency in Maryland and transportation infrastructure in Central Europe.
The US has offered a $10 million reward for information on Stigal's whereabouts.
The EU has imposed sanctions on Russian hackers amid growing cybersecurity concerns.
Google and Microsoft have warned of Russian threat actors posing a significant risk to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Europe's cybersecurity chief reported a doubling of disruptive attacks in 2024, many attributed to Russia.
Stigal could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland condemned the cyberattacks and expressed support for Ukraine.
Summary based on 11 sources
Get a daily email with more World News stories
Sources
The Guardian • Jun 27, 2024
Ukraine war briefing: US charges Russian with conspiring to destroy Kyiv computer systemsThe Washington Post • Jun 26, 2024
$10M offered for Russian accused in ‘WhisperGate’ malware attack on UkraineBleepingComputer • Jun 27, 2024
U.S. indicts Russian GRU hacker, offers $10 million reward