Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Trump Administration Revokes Waiver for Iraqi Purchase of Iranian Electricity

March 10, 2025

Trump to Unveil $100 Billion Taiwanese Investment in U.S. Chip Manufacturing

March 3, 2025

‘I didn’t know that’: Musk surprises Trump with revelation about his 2024 endorsement

February 19, 2025

Andrew and Tristan Tate Return to U.S. During Ongoing Romanian Trafficking Investigation

February 27, 2025

Sen. Duckworth Claims Trump “Declared War” on Chicago, but No Deployment Planned

September 7, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • AI Browsers More Vulnerable to Scams Than Humans, Study Finds
  • Cyberattack Disrupts Operations and Delays at Major European Airports
  • Memorial for Charlie Kirk Set for Sunday in Arizona, Featuring Erika Kirk as Speaker
  • Trump’s Proposed China TikTok Deal Faces Scrutiny
  • Landslide Warning Raises Alarm in Black Sea Region
  • Turkey Will Not Return Siloam Inscription to Israel, ErdoÄŸan Declares
  • Trump Administration Threatens Lawsuits and Funding Cuts Over Migrant Detention in Democratic States
  • U.S. TikTok Future Depends on Algorithm Control
  • Music Legend Sonny Curtis Reflects on Career from Buddy Holly to Mary Tyler Moore
  • Trump Administration Proposes $100,000 Fee Increase for H-1B Visas
  • Thousands Evacuated in Hong Kong Due to Discovery of WWII Bomb
  • Violence Erupts at Right-Wing Demonstration in Netherlands Before Election
  • Germany’s Role as Europe’s Growth Driver in Doubt, Economists Say
  • Trump’s H-1B Visa Policy and Its Impact on Tech Companies and Foreign Governments
  • Warehouse Clubs Expand Presence with New Stores and Membership Growth
  • California GovernorSigns Law Prohibiting Law Enforcement from Wearing Face Coverings
  • Man Charged with Weapon Possession at Memorial Event for Charlie Kirk was Security Staff
  • Guide to Converting Files to PDF on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android
  • Russian Fighter Jets Intrude on Estonian Airspace for 12 Minutes, Officials Remark on Boldness
  • Adam Carolla Supports Jimmy Kimmel Following ABC Suspension of Late-Night Show
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Saturday, September 20
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Tech » Justice Department charges 2 Russians with operating cybercrime group using ransomware
Justice Department charges 2 Russians with operating cybercrime group using ransomware

Justice Department charges 2 Russians with operating cybercrime group using ransomware

News EditorBy News EditorFebruary 19, 2025 Tech 6 Mins Read

The Department of Justice has taken significant action against cybercrime by charging two Russian nationals, Roman Berezhnoy, 33, and Egor Nikolaevich Glebov, 39, for allegedly leading a ransomware group that targeted hundreds of U.S. entities. This cybercriminal operation reportedly generated over $16 million through illicit activities involving the Phobos ransomware. The charges include severe allegations ranging from wire fraud to extortion, with both men facing substantial prison time if convicted.

Article Subheadings
1) Overview of the Charges Against Berezhnoy and Glebov
2) The Operations of the Phobos Ransomware
3) International Cooperation in Cybercrime Enforcement
4) Impact on Victims and the Broader Community
5) Consequences of Ransomware Attacks and Future Directions

Overview of the Charges Against Berezhnoy and Glebov

On a recent Monday, U.S. authorities executed the arrest of Roman Berezhnoy and Egor Nikolaevich Glebov, which was followed by the announcement of charges on Tuesday. The two individuals are being charged with a variety of offenses related to cybercrime, including one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of wire fraud, and charges associated with computer damage. Specifically, the defendants face three counts of intentional damage to protected computers and three counts of extortion connected to their cyberattacks.

Each wire fraud-related charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while counts related to computer damage bear a maximum penalty of 10 years. Other charges could result in additional penalties of up to five years. The variety and seriousness of the charges reflect a comprehensive approach by federal authorities to address growing concerns about ransomware and cybercriminal activity.

The Operations of the Phobos Ransomware

The core of the criminal operation allegedly involved the use of Phobos ransomware, a malicious software designed to encrypt files on compromised networks, making them inaccessible to users unless a ransom is paid. Berezhnoy and Glebov are accused of hacking into victims’ systems, stealing and encrypting sensitive data, and subsequently demanding ransom payments for the decryption keys.

According to the Justice Department’s release, the targets of these attacks included a range of organizations, such as healthcare providers, educational institutions, and even children’s hospitals. This indicates a troubling trend in which vital services are disrupted due to cybercriminal activities focusing on profit through illegitimate means.

The group allegedly made threats to not only sabotage further access to the networks but also to leak stolen information should the ransom not be paid. This level of intimidation has broader implications, as it adds pressure on victims who may be forced to choose between paying the ransom or risking the exposure of sensitive data.

International Cooperation in Cybercrime Enforcement

The arrest of Berezhnoy and Glebov coincides with a period of increasing international collaboration among law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime. Notably, the recent arrest of another Russian national, Evgenii Ptitsyn, on similar charges highlights a coordinated effort to crack down on cybercriminal networks globally.

The Department of Justice reported that their efforts align with a broader operation involving European and German authorities, the FBI, and other partners, which disrupted over 100 servers linked to the ransomware activities of the group in question. This cooperation exemplifies a unified international stance against cyber threats, emphasizing the significance of global collaboration in cybercrime investigations.

Impact on Victims and the Broader Community

Victims of the phishing and ransomware attacks described in the Justice Department’s release suffered substantial losses, both financially and in terms of access to critical data. Organizations such as children’s hospitals and educational institutions are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on data integrity and uninterrupted service.

The ripple effects of these attacks extend beyond immediate financial costs. The loss of trust in data security can deter patients and students from relying on the services offered by those institutions, thus having lasting effects on their reputation and operational capabilities.

Further, the notion of threats against sensitive data raises critical ethical questions regarding the responsibilities of organizations to protect personal information. As ransomware attacks become more prevalent, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes paramount for all sectors, not only the victims directly affected.

Consequences of Ransomware Attacks and Future Directions

As the frequency and severity of ransomware attacks continue to escalate, it is clear that evolving preventative measures and enforcement strategies are required. The charges levied against Berezhnoy and Glebov demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to tackling such crimes. However, there remains an urgent need for organizations to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure to defend against such breaches proactively.

Government officials, including Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, emphasized the importance of dismantling networks that support ransomware operations. The recent sanctions against Zservers, a Russian-based hosting services provider, illustrate proactive measures aimed at disrupting the ecosystem that enables such cybercriminal enterprises.

In conclusion, sustained cooperation among international law enforcement agencies, robust organizational cybersecurity practices, and public awareness initiatives are essential to mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks and protect critical infrastructure.

No. Key Points
1 Two Russian nationals have been charged with operating a ransomware group that extorted over $16 million from various U.S. entities.
2 The cybercriminal duo allegedly used Phobos ransomware to encrypt and steal data from their victims.
3 International cooperation has become crucial in tackling cybercrime, highlighted by recent arrests and coordinated efforts by various law enforcement agencies.
4 Victims of the attacks included essential services like children’s hospitals, leading to broader concerns about data security and public trust.
5 A proactive approach to cybersecurity and collaboration among authorities is essential to combat the growing threat of ransomware attacks.

Summary

The recent charges against Roman Berezhnoy and Egor Nikolaevich Glebov illustrate a significant challenge the U.S. and international communities face in combating ransomware and cybercrime. With extensive ramifications for victims and the potential for severe penalties for the accused, the case underscores the necessity of enhanced cybersecurity measures and collaborative law enforcement efforts to address the escalating threats posed by cybercriminal networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on a victim’s computer system, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attackers for decryption.

Question: How does ransomware typically operate?

Ransomware generally infiltrates a system through phishing emails, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or unsecured networks, leading to the encryption of files and subsequent ransom demands from the affected individuals or organizations.

Question: What can individuals and organizations do to protect themselves from ransomware attacks?

Protection against ransomware can be strengthened by implementing regular data backups, maintaining updated cybersecurity software, educating staff about phishing attempts, and employing strong access controls for sensitive data.

Artificial Intelligence Blockchain charges Cloud Computing Consumer Electronics cybercrime Cybersecurity Data Science Department E-Commerce Fintech Gadgets group Innovation Internet of Things Justice Mobile Devices operating Programming ransomware Robotics Russians Software Updates Startups Tech Reviews Tech Trends Technology Virtual Reality
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

Tech

AI Browsers More Vulnerable to Scams Than Humans, Study Finds

7 Mins Read
Tech

U.S. TikTok Future Depends on Algorithm Control

6 Mins Read
Tech

Guide to Converting Files to PDF on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android

6 Mins Read
Tech

Texas Teen Leverages Computer Science Skills to Combat Scammers

5 Mins Read
Tech

Quanta X2 Robot Butler Secures $100M Investment for Development

6 Mins Read
Tech

Nvidia Unveils $5 Billion Investment in Intel, Announces Collaboration

5 Mins Read
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

U.N. Rejects U.S. Resolution to End Ukraine War Citing Missing Russian Aggression Acknowledgment

February 24, 2025

Trump Confronts Economic Challenges Amid Unified GOP Support for Major Reforms

March 16, 2025

Trump Ally Launches Campaign to Succeed Florida Governor DeSantis

March 28, 2025

Trump Claims $9 Trillion in New U.S. Investment, But Figures Don’t Add Up

May 6, 2025

Canadian Government Unveils Billboards in U.S. Promoting Anti-Tariff Campaign

March 27, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.
Go to mobile version