US Sanctions Russian Cyber Firm Over Stolen Government Hacking Tools

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated Russian cybersecurity firm Operation Zero as a sanctioned entity, citing its involvement in purchasing stolen government hacking tools through cryptocurrency transactions worth millions. The operation represents a significant concern for national security and cybercrime, as it reveals the dark marketplace for stolen government hacking tools.

The Treasury Department alleges that Operation Zero knowingly purchased intrusion software originally developed by a US defense contractor for authorized cybersecurity operations. The tools, which included advanced persistent threat (APT) frameworks and zero-day exploit kits, were reportedly sold to Russian buyers through cryptocurrency transactions worth millions.