U.S. Charges Russian Spies With Hacking Businesses And Governments

Topline

The Department of Justice charged six Russian intelligence officers Monday for a series of high-profile cyber attacks on governments and companies in the United States and worldwide, a string of alleged crimes that prosecutors called “the most disruptive and destructive series of computer attacks ever attributed to a single group.”

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“No country has weaponized its cyber capabilities as maliciously and irresponsibly as Russia,” Assistant Attorney General John Demers said during a Monday press conference.

What To Watch For

Prosecuting the six GRU agents could be challenging. In the past, Russia has resisted American efforts to extradite Russian nationals for hacking.

Key Background

Shortly after the NotPetya cyberattack, and the attacks on the Ukrainian power grid and the French presidential election, many observers almost immediately pointed fingers at Russian intelligence agencies. Monday’s indictments appear to bolster some of those suspicions, and they join a string of other accusations of malicious hacking activity on Russia’s part. In recent years, the country has been accused of trying to steal information about coronavirus vaccine trials, spread disinformation to meddle in both the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections, and spy on U.S. intelligence agencies.

Further Reading

U.S. charges Russian intelligence officers in high-profile cyberattacks (Washington Post)

Russia Steps Up Efforts to Shield Its Hackers From Extradition to U.S. (Wall Street Journal)