Washington, 18 July 2023 (MIA) -  The U.S. government has added four foreign commercial spyware entities, including Cytrox AD in North Macedonia, to the Entity List for engaging in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States.

The three other companies include Intellexa S.A. in Greece, Intellexa Limited in Ireland, and Cytrox Holdings Crt in Hungary, the U.S. Department of State said in a press release.

The companies were added to the Entity List based on a determination that they engaged in trafficking in cyber exploits used to gain access to information systems, threatening the privacy and security of individuals and organizations worldwide, Voice of America reports. 

"The proliferation of commercial spyware poses distinct and growing counterintelligence and security risks to the United States, including to the safety and security of U.S. government personnel and their families," said the State Department. 

The press release adds that "the misuse of these tools globally has also facilitated repression and enabled human rights abuses, including to intimidate political opponents and curb dissent, limit freedom of expression, and monitor and target activists and journalists".

The U.S. State Department points out that today’s action is part of a government-wide effort to counter the risks posed by commercial spyware.

The addition of these entities builds on past U.S. government listings of commercial spyware companies.

"Together, these actions demonstrate the United States’ continued commitment to and leadership on countering the misuse of commercial spyware and other surveillance technology," the press release reads. 

Photo: MIA archive