Australia imposes sanctions on three Russian hackers behind ‘Evil Corp’ – Capital Brief

The news: Australia has imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on three Russian citizens over their involvement in the “Evil Corp” hacking group.

Context: In a joint footnote with the United States and the United Kingdom, the Australian government said Evil Corp is one of the most prolific and longest-running cybercrime groups in the world.

The Australian statement named Maksim Viktorovich Yakub, Igor Olegovich Turashev and Alexander Viktorovich Ryzhenkov as senior members of the group.

Sanctions imposed on men make it a crime to provide them with property, use it or deal with it. The sanctions also ban them from entering Australia.

At the same time, the US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment accusing one of Evil Corp’s members of using BitPaymer ransomware to attack victims in the US.

Evil Corp used the Dridex malware to infect computers and harvest login credentials from hundreds of banks and other financial institutions in over 40 countries, resulting in over $100 million ($145.30) in losses and damages.

What they said: “Malicious cybercriminals continue to target governments, critical infrastructure and households around the world. These types of sanctions are an important tool in deterring cybercrime and helping to protect Australians,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles.

“These sanctions are only possible thanks to the efforts of our domestic and international partner agencies who work tirelessly to disrupt cybercriminals and protect Australians from ransomware.

“We encourage all Australians, individuals and businesses, to remain vigilant about their cybersecurity arrangements to make Australia a more difficult target for malicious cyber activity.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “The Government of Albania is the first Australian Government to use autonomous cyber sanctions powers to protect Australians and deter cybercrime.

“We are using all elements of our national power to make Australia safer and keep Australians safe.

“Australia remains committed to promoting a rules-based cyberspace, underpinned by international law and norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace.”

Cybersecurity Minister Tony Burke said: “We have made ourselves very clear – under our Government, Australia is strengthening its defenses and ensuring that those who attack our citizens and businesses face consequences.

“These sanctions are another example of our commitment to work with our international partners to shut down criminal organizations that have built a business model on ransomware.”