CurrentReport Blog In a major crackdown on cybercrime, technology giant Microsoft and the U.S. Justice Department announced on Thursday that they had seized more than 100 websites allegedly used by Russian cybercriminal groups to commit computer fraud and abuse in the United States.
The joint statement highlighted that Microsoft had been tracking the group, code-named “Star Blizzard,” between January 2023 and August 2024. The group had targeted over 30 civil society entities, including journalists, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
According to Microsoft and the U.S. Justice Department, the Russian government orchestrated the scheme to steal sensitive American information. Using seemingly legitimate email accounts, they lured victims into revealing their account credentials.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to combating cyber threats, stating, “With the continued support of our private sector partners, we will be relentless in exposing Russian actors and cybercriminals and depriving them of the tools of their illicit trade.”
Microsoft further described Star Blizzard as “persistent,” noting that the group meticulously studied its targets and posed as trusted contacts to achieve its objectives. The tech giant acknowledged that while the group would likely establish new infrastructure, the action taken significantly impacted their operations at a critical juncture—especially as foreign interference in U.S. democratic processes has become a growing concern.
Microsoft has previously warned about Russian operatives attempting to influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November, marking an urgent reminder of the threat posed by foreign interference in democratic institutions.
