US Justice Department Expands Indictment in WhisperGate Malware Attack
The US Justice Department has expanded its indictment against Russians involved in the WhisperGate malware attack. New defendants include five Russian military intelligence officers. The attack targeted computer systems in Ukraine and NATO allies. A USD 60 million reward is offered for their capture.
- Country:
- United States
The US Justice Department has broadened its indictment of Russians implicated in the 'WhisperGate' malware attack, which aimed to cripple computer systems across Ukraine and 26 NATO allies, including the United States.
A superseding indictment announced on Thursday includes five Russian military intelligence officers as new defendants. Previously, a Russian civilian named Amin Timovich Stigal was charged.
According to a federal official, the 'WhisperGate' attack in January 2022 could be seen as the first salvo in Russia's conflict with Ukraine. The cyberattacks also infiltrated US companies. In total, the US government is offering a USD 60 million reward for information leading to the defendants' arrests.
William J. DelBagno, special agent in charge of the FBI's Baltimore field office, emphasized that 'this type of cyber warfare will not be tolerated. The scope of Russia's crimes cannot be ignored.'
(With inputs from agencies.)