Wyoming Accused Of Becoming A Shelter For High-Level Cyber Attack Perpetrators

Wyoming, USA, was once known as a hiding place for bandits in the 19th century (photo; dock. pexels)

JAKARTA - The Reuters report shows that the state of Wyoming, USA, formerly known as a hiding place for bandits in the 19th century, is now suspected of being a haven for high-level cybercriminals in the 21st century.

At least three cases in the past four months involved a limited company (LLC) in Wyoming involved in a striking hacking activity. Wyoming, along with Delaware and Nevada, is known for providing anonymous shell companies, and technology and compliance experts, as well as hacking victims. The allegation, stated that the state provides convenience for criminals who seek to hide their identities.

In August, Somali Journalists Syndicate experienced a cyberattack that caused their websites and email accounts inaccessible. Qurium, Sweden's nonprofit organization that performs digital defense, finally found that the attack came from an IP address registered in the name of a limited company (LLC) Aliat in Wyoming.

Although the Qurium was unable to identify with certainty the perpetrators of the attack, their findings suggest that the Wyoming LLC was used as a tool to outwit their internet traffic to make it appear to come from within the United States.

In September, the International Press Institute (IPI) in Vienna experienced a similar attack that left their website inaccessible for about 10 days. Qurium has again tracked some suspicious data to a web hosting company in Wyoming called HostCram.

Qurium also mentions another case in which Wyoming LLC, named RouterHosting, is involved in providing services for Iranian-related entities accused of involvement in malicious cyber activities.

Experts expressed concern over the ease of making a limited, anonymous company in Wyoming, which allows owners to hide their identities from the public and authorities. Several cases list registered registrant companies in Wyoming as intermediaries assisting the establishment of these companies, providing comfort for criminals. Authorities in Wyoming have not taken concrete steps to respond to this report