UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British government has imposed sanctions on six individuals and two companies involved in ransomware attacks, as part of efforts to address Russia’s online threats.
On Tuesday, the UK government decided to target the Russian cyber network with restrictions.
How is the UK addressing Russia’s cyber threats?
In response to Russia’s cyber risks, Britain has sanctioned a Russian organization involved in cyber attacks, with the UK Foreign Secretary committed to fighting against Russia’s unregulated cyber world.
Six individuals and companies, including ZSERVERS and XHOST Internet Solutions LP, will face restrictions from the UK, with the US also taking similar action.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), ZSERVERS supplied infrastructure for cybercriminals to launch ransomware assaults on Britain.
Restrictions were imposed on the Russian leader of LockBit by the UK, US, and Australia last year, one of the notorious ransomware groups responsible for some of the world’s most major attacks.
The FCDO revealed that LockBit affiliates have relied on ZSERVERS in their ransomware campaigns against Britain.
What did Security Minister Dan Jarvis say about Russian cyber crimes?
Dan Jarvis stated,
“Ransomware attacks by Russian-affiliated cybercrime gangs are some of the most harmful cyber threats we face today and the government is tackling them head-on. Denying cybercriminals the tools of their trade weakens their capacity to do serious harm to the UK.”
He stated that the government has revealed world-first measures to counter ransomware attacks and disrupt criminal gangs. Mr. Jarvis assured that these targeted sanctions, supported by law enforcement, are essential to protect national security and economic stability.
How did David Lammy respond to Russia’s cyber crime threats?
David Lammy stated the government will work alongside international partners to ‘restrict the Kremlin’s power.
While talking about Tuesday’s sanctions, he said, “Putin has built a corrupt mafia state driven by greed and ruthlessness,” adding, “It is no surprise that the most unscrupulous extortionists and cyber criminals run rampant from within his borders.”
Mr Lammy further highlighted that, while partnering with global allies, the government aims to address Russia’s unchecked cyber operations. He emphasized the importance of these actions to safeguard national security.
Which companies and individuals are sanctioned by the UK government for ransomware attacks?
- ZSERVERS (company)
- XHOST Internet Solutions LP (company)
- Aleksandr Bolshakov (employee)
- Aleksandr Mishin (employee)
- Ilya Sidorov (employee)
- Dmitriy Bolshakov (employee)
- Igor Odintsov (employee)
- Vladimir Ananev (employee)
How did America respond to Russia’s cyber threats?
The US Department of the Treasury emphasised that the collective response from the US, UK, and Australia highlights efforts to protect national security.
Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated
“Ransomware actors and other cyber criminals rely on third-party network service providers like Zservers to enable their attacks on US and international critical infrastructure.”
What do ransomware attacks mean?
Ransomware attacks happen when hackers gain unauthorized access to the files, often either stealing their files or locking them for payment. Then hackers can demand payment, typically in cryptocurrency, claiming the files will be released, but there’s no guarantee.
Major ransomware attacks include Crypto Ransomware, Locker Ransomware, Scareware, Doxware (Leakware), and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS).
The British government warns that predatory ransomware groups pose a clear and ongoing threat to national security, public services, and privacy. These online attacks target essential infrastructure, disrupt major services and have generated $1 billion from their victims worldwide in 2023.