United States Offers Substantial Rewards for Information on Malicious Cyber Actors
The U.S. Department of State has announced significant reward offers, totaling up to $11 million, for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction of individuals responsible for malicious cyber activities. This initiative specifically targets a Ukrainian malicious cyber actor and other key leaders of ransomware operations. The announcement was made on September 9, 2025, at 3:38 PM, highlighting the U.S. government’s commitment to combating cybercrime and holding perpetrators accountable.
The substantial sum reflects the gravity with which the United States views the threat posed by these cybercriminals. Ransomware attacks, in particular, have become a pervasive global problem, disrupting businesses, critical infrastructure, and government operations, often resulting in significant financial losses and significant operational impact. By offering these rewards, the Department of State aims to incentivize individuals with knowledge of these actors’ identities and activities to come forward.
The program, administered by the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, has a proven track record of success in bringing dangerous criminals and terrorists to justice. The RFJ program has been instrumental in providing compensation to those who provide actionable intelligence that aids law enforcement and national security efforts.
The specific focus on a Ukrainian malicious cyber actor, alongside unidentified leaders of ransomware groups, indicates a targeted approach to dismantling key components of the cybercrime ecosystem. This suggests that intelligence gathered by the U.S. government points towards specific individuals or groups operating from or connected to Ukraine who are believed to be involved in significant cybercriminal enterprises.
The U.S. government is urging anyone with information concerning these individuals or their activities to contact the Rewards for Justice program. The program ensures that the identities of informants are kept confidential, prioritizing their safety and security. Information can be submitted through various secure channels, details of which are typically provided with such announcements.
This initiative underscores the international cooperation necessary to combat transnational cybercrime. By leveraging intelligence and offering financial incentives, the United States aims to disrupt the operations of malicious cyber actors and deter future attacks. The announcement serves as a clear message to those engaged in cybercriminal activities that their actions will not go unnoticed and that the U.S. government is dedicated to pursuing justice for victims of cybercrime.
The Department of State encourages anyone with relevant information to reach out to the Rewards for Justice program. This collective effort is vital in creating a safer digital environment for all.
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U.S. Department of State published ‘Reward Offers Totaling up to $11 Million for Information Leading to Arrests and/or Convictions of Ukrainian Malicious Cyber Actor and Other Unknown Ransomware Key Leaders’ at 2025-09-09 15:38. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.