The United States Justice Department and technology giant Microsoft say they have seized more than 100 websites allegedly being used by Russian groups to commit computer fraud and abuse in the U.S.

They announced this in a joint statement on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

Between January 2023 and August 2024, Microsoft said it observed the group, code-named “Star Blizzard”, which through the websites targeted more than 30 civil society entities and organisations, including journalists, think tanks, and non-governmental organisations.

Microsoft said: “The Russian government ran this scheme to steal Americans’ sensitive information, using seemingly legitimate email accounts to trick victims into revealing account credentials.

“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.

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“Star Blizzard was persistent.

“They meticulously study their targets and pose as trusted contacts to achieve their goals.

“While we expect Star Blizzard to always be establishing new infrastructure, today’s action impacts their operations at a critical point in time when foreign interference in U.S. democratic processes is of utmost concern.”

Microsoft has previously warned that Russian operatives are attempting to influence the U.S. presidential election in November, dpa reported.

The Star