Microsoft, which tracks the group under the name “Star Blizzard” (formerly SEABORGIUM), reported that between January 2023 and August 2024, the group targeted more than 30 civil society organizations, including journalists and NGOs, by deploying spear-phishing campaigns to exfiltrate sensitive information and interfere in their activities.

“Together, we have seized more than 100 websites,” Microsoft said in a statement. “Rebuilding infrastructure takes time, absorbs resources, and costs money. By collaborating with DOJ, we have been able to expand the scope of disruption and seize more infrastructure, enabling us to deliver greater impact against Star Blizzard.”

“Sophisticated state-sponsored hacking operations demand proactive collaboration between governments and global tech companies,” said Pareekh Jain, CEO of Pareekh Consulting. “The partnership between Microsoft and the US government serves as a strong example.”