The US Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on a Russian company for the first time under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act, accusing it of brokering stolen American cyber tools. This move aims to curb the illegal trade of advanced technologies and weapons used in cybersecurity. The stolen US cyber tools include computer programs and hacking instruments designed to protect government and defense networks, but when acquired illegally, they can be used in cyberattacks. The Russian broker acted as a middleman in the buying and selling of these tools, posing a threat to US national security. The Protecting American Intellectual Property Act is a recent US law targeting intellectual property violations and associated illicit businesses, allowing the government to sanction individuals and firms involved in illegal trading of stolen technology and cyber weapons. Experts believe such actions will weaken international cybercrime networks, though a response from Russian authorities is anticipated. The sanctions could restrict the broker’s financial and commercial activities, isolating it from the global financial system. This development is significant amid rising global cyberattacks and increasing complexity, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity. The US government aims to enhance its defense security by preventing the illegal trade of stolen cyber tools.
Source: decrypt
