Russian Officers Charged with Global Hacking Campaign Targeting US and UK Intelligence Officials

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged two Russian intelligence officers for their alleged involvement in a global hacking campaign that targeted military and government officials in the U.S., U.K., Ukraine, and NATO-member countries. The officers, from Russia's FSB, are accused of leading the "Callisto Group" and engaging in spear-phishing campaigns to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The group allegedly targeted current and former employees of U.S. intelligence agencies, defense contractors, and energy facilities. They also targeted U.K. military and government officials and journalists during the 2019 elections. While the accused individuals are not in U.S. custody, the U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned them, and the State Department is offering rewards for information leading to their arrest. The U.K. has also announced its own sanctions and summoned Russia's ambassador over the election interference allegations.