Summary
A Russian national, Aleksandr Viktorovich Ryzhenkov, has been indicted for his alleged involvement in a series of ransomware attacks targeting individuals and businesses in the United States over a seven-year period. The indictment, unsealed by the U.S. Department of Justice, outlines accusations of unauthorized access to sensitive information and demands for ransom using the BitPaymer ransomware variant.
Ryzhenkov, 31, and his co-conspirators reportedly began their criminal activities in 2017, employing various techniques such as phishing, malware, and exploiting software vulnerabilities to infiltrate victims’ computers. Once access was gained, they encrypted the files and demanded ransom payments in exchange for decryption keys. The Justice Department has linked Ryzhenkov to the notorious cybercriminal group Evil Corp, suggesting he holds a prominent position within the organization. His indictment highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. law enforcement to combat ransomware threats and protect American citizens from cybercrime.
Russian Man Charged With Stealing Americans' Data, Demanding Ransom
Oct. 2 / Newsweek / Highlights the detailed indictment against Ryzhenkov, emphasizing the methods used in the ransomware attacks and the Justice Department's commitment to combating cybercrime, adding depth to the narrative. Provides a concise overview of the indictment and its implications, but lacks some of the detailed context and quotes that enrich the understanding of the ongoing cybercrime issue. “ The Justice Department has unsealed an indictment against a Russian man who has been accused of gaining access to Americans' sensitive information and then...
Russian national indicted in ransomware attacks in US
Oct. 1 / The Hill “ A Russian national is accused in a series of ransomware attacks in Texas and other parts of the U.S. over a seven-year period, the Department of Justice...