In a move to address the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware, the US has added four foreign companies to a restricted list for receiving exports from American companies.
The companies added to the list are Cytrox Holdings Zrt. from Hungary, Cytrox AD from North Macedonia, Intellexa Limited from Ireland, and Intellexa SA from Greece.
The US Commerce Department stated that these companies are involved in trafficking cyber exploits used to gain unauthorized access to information systems, posing a threat to the privacy and security of individuals and organizations worldwide.
The restrictions aim to limit the entities’ access to commodities, software, and technology that could contribute to the development of surveillance tools with potential for misuse and violations of human rights.
This action by the Commerce Department is part of the US government’s broader effort to combat the risks associated with commercial spyware.
It follows President Joseph Biden’s executive order issued in March, which prohibits federal agencies from purchasing and using commercial spyware from companies deemed to pose national security threats or be implicated in human rights abuses.
The affected companies have not yet commented on the restrictions imposed by the US government.
The latest measures represent a significant step in the US crackdown on cyber exploits and highlight the government’s commitment to protecting privacy, security, and human rights in the digital realm.
