U.S. Sanctions First VPN Service and Malware Cryptor Seller Over Ransomware Support

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control has imposed sanctions on a VPN service provider and two individuals for supporting ransomware actors and other cybercriminals. The VPN service, known as First VPN Service, allegedly provided tools to ransomware groups, facilitating their malicious activities. One of the sanctioned individuals is a 45-year-old Ukrainian associated with the VPN service. These sanctions are in response to the support of ransomware attacks targeting Americans. The action targets those enabling cybercriminals to carry out their activities. The sanctions aim to hold accountable those who assist ransomware actors and other malicious cyber activities.