Federal law enforcement officials accuse Artem Stryzhak, who was arrested in Spain last year, of attacking and extorting multiple companies between 2018 and 2021.

A Google Threat Intelligence Group report notes that Russia in particular has been doing this since the Ukraine war began.

The designation won cheers from the CEO of the firm, believed to be the first information security company to garner the label.

Google’s Threat Analysis Group and Mandiant said one group is behind the hybrid campaign that takes aim at both recruits and broader recruiting efforts.

The attacks targeted Russia’s leading state media provider and the country’s courts system.

In an interview with CyberScoop, Nate Fick also discussed the structure of his office and regions of emphasis.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said information from RT employees indicate the media outlet is “functioning like a de facto arm” of the Russian government.

The hackers were working with a unit in the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate, according to the DOJ.

The government-backed hackers exploited fake friends and family with spear-phishing lures, according to research published Wednesday.

The effort from four separate groups includes both hacking attempts and fake news campaigns, according to the company.