Ethical Hacking News
EU Slaps Sanctions on Chinese and Iranian Actors for Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure
The European Union has imposed sanctions on several Chinese and Iranian firms and individuals for their involvement in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure across member states. The move is part of the EU's efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity posture and respond firmly to ongoing threats.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on several Chinese and Iranian firms and individuals for their involvement in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure across member states. Three companies and two individuals have been sanctioned for their roles in carrying out cyber-attacks against EU countries and partners. Integrity Technology Group, a China-based company, has been linked to several high-profile cyberattacks and has provided infrastructure support for state-backed APT groups. Anxun Information Technology, another Chinese firm, has been sanctioned for providing hacking services targeting critical infrastructure and offering hacker-for-hire services since 2011. Emennet Pasargad, an Iranian firm, has been targeted by EU sanctions for breaching databases, selling stolen data online, and spreading disinformation during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The move is seen as an important development in the EU's efforts to combat cyber threats and promote a secure and stable cyberspace.
The European Union has recently imposed sanctions on several Chinese and Iranian firms and individuals for their involvement in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure across member states. This move is part of the EU's efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity posture and respond firmly to ongoing threats.
In a statement released by the Council of the European Union, it was revealed that three companies and two individuals have been sanctioned for their roles in carrying out cyber-attacks against EU countries and partners. The sanctions are designed to disrupt the operations of these entities and prevent them from accessing EU financial markets or conducting business within the region.
At the forefront of this move is the sanctioning of Integrity Technology Group, a China-based company that has been linked to several high-profile cyberattacks. According to reports, Integrity Tech provided infrastructure support for Flax Typhoon, a state-backed APT group that has been active since 2021 and targets critical infrastructure globally. The group's activities have been extensively documented by researchers and cybersecurity experts.
Another Chinese firm, Anxun Information Technology, has also been sanctioned for its role in providing hacking services targeting critical infrastructure. In March 2025, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned Anxun Information Technology (i-Soon) for offering hacker-for-hire services and conducting cyberattacks since 2011. The company's internal operations and tools were exposed through a data leak in 2024.
The Iranian firm Emennet Pasargad has also been targeted by EU sanctions. The company breached the database of a French subscriber, attempted to sell the stolen data online, and spread disinformation on advertising billboards during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Additionally, it disrupted a Swedish SMS service, affecting many EU citizens.
The move is seen as an important development in the EU's efforts to combat cyber threats. The Council of the European Union has been working closely with international partners to promote a secure and stable cyberspace.
"The Council adopted today restrictive measures against three entities and two individuals responsible for cyber-attacks carried out against EU member states and EU partners," reads the press release. "This move highlights the EU's commitment to responding firmly to ongoing cyber threats and working with international partners to ensure a secure and stable cyberspace."
The sanctions regime has now expanded to cover 19 individuals and 7 entities. Individuals are also subject to travel bans within the EU, while EU citizens and companies are banned from providing them funds or resources.
This development comes as the global cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve. The rise of APT groups and state-sponsored hacking operations has become a significant concern for governments and businesses alike. The EU's response is seen as an important step in countering these threats and promoting cooperation with international partners.
In recent years, the EU has established its "cyber diplomacy toolbox" to prevent and respond to cyber threats using diplomatic and restrictive measures. In 2019, it added a sanctions framework to target cyberattacks posing external threats to the EU and its members.
The sanctioning of Chinese and Iranian actors for their involvement in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure is seen as an important step in the EU's efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity posture. By disrupting the operations of these entities, the EU aims to reduce the risk of future attacks and promote a more secure cyberspace.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/EU-Slaps-Sanctions-on-Chinese-and-Iranian-Actors-for-Cyberattacks-on-Critical-Infrastructure-ehn.shtml
https://securityaffairs.com/189585/security/eu-sanctions-chinese-and-iranian-actors-over-cyberattacks-on-critical-infrastructure.html
https://cybernews.com/security/eu-chinese-iranian-companies-cyberattacks-states-sanctions/
https://thecyberexpress.com/eu-sanctions-chinese-iranian-hacking-groups/
https://eclypsium.com/blog/the-rise-of-chinese-apt-campaigns-volt-typhoon-salt-typhoon-flax-typhoon-and-velvet-ant/
https://securityboulevard.com/2024/10/the-rise-of-chinese-apt-campaigns-volt-typhoon-salt-typhoon-flax-typhoon-and-velvet-ant/
Published: Tue Mar 17 18:11:58 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
