Trump Administration Prevents Foreign ‘Hacktivist’ Scheme to Disrupt America’s Essential Water Systems

EPA Charges Ukrainian National Over Cyberattacks

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that a Ukrainian woman faces charges for her alleged collaboration with two cybercriminal groups linked to Russia, which are accused of conducting attacks against the United States.

That’s right. The EPA, along with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, revealed on Tuesday that an indictment against Victoria Eduardovna Dubranova was officially unsealed in Los Angeles. She’s charged with a serious offense: “conspiracy to damage protected computers and tamper with public water systems.”

According to Craig Pritzlaff, who serves as the acting deputy administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance at the EPA, these illegal activities pose significant risks to local communities and the nation’s water supply. He mentioned, “These criminal charges serve as a clear warning to malicious cyber attackers. The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, along with law enforcement partners, will not tolerate threats to our nation’s water infrastructure. We are committed to ensuring clean water for everyone.”

Earlier this month, on October 23, the EPA released resources aimed at protecting water systems from cyber threats. The agency emphasized the importance of providing safe, clean water for all Americans.

Dubranova was extradited to the U.S. this year, facing accusations of assisting the CyberArmy of Russia_Reborn (CARR). She has also been indicted for her involvement with a hacker group known as NoName, though she maintains her innocence, according to information from the EPA and the Department of Justice.

The indictment specifies that NoName has claimed responsibility for numerous cyberattacks linked to Russia’s geopolitical goals. This group often announced these attacks on Telegram, providing proof that some victims’ websites were taken offline. Reportedly, targets included government entities, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure like railways and ports.

The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security collaborated on this investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also played a significant role in assisting.

Bill Bill, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, remarked that “politically motivated groups, whether state-sponsored or not, present a considerable threat to our national security. Using civilians to cover up malicious cyber activities against U.S. infrastructure is particularly alarming.”

The Central District of California highlighted its dedication to combating global cybersecurity threats. If convicted, Dubranova could face a maximum sentence of 27 years in federal prison, along with additional charges, including damage to a protected computer and identity theft.