EU adopts cyber-related sanctions on companies based in China and Iran
The EU has sanctioned three companies based in China and Iran over alleged cyber operations targeting member states. Officials say the firms were involved in hacking activities and disinformation campaigns, highlighting growing concerns about foreign cyber threats to Europe’s infrastructure and information space.
The European Union imposed sanctions on two China-based companies and one Iranian company in connection with cyber operations targeting the EU member states. The Council’s official press release does not specify the underlying operations. The designated entities are Integrity Technology Group and Anxun Information Technology, both based in China, and Emennet Pasargad, based in Iran.
According to an EU statement, Integrity Technology is assessed to have facilitated the compromise of over 65,000 devices across six member states. Anxun is assessed to have provided offensive cyber capabilities targeting critical infrastructure, and two of the company’s co-founders have been individually designated for their roles in these operations.
Emennet is assessed to have a compromised digital advertising infrastructure to disseminate disinformation during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The sanctions entail an asset freeze and a travel ban for the listed individuals. The EU citizens and entities are additionally prohibited from making funds available to the designated companies.
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