WASHINGTON, 04 November 2021, (TON): The US Commerce Department added Israel's NSO Group and Candiru to its trade blacklist, saying they sold spyware to foreign governments that used the equipment to target government officials, journalists and others.

Positive Technologies of Russia, and Computer Security Initiative Consultancy PTE. LTD, from Singapore, were also listed.

The Department said that they trafficked in cyber tools used to gain unauthorised access to computer networks.

The companies' addition to the list, for engaging in activities contrary to US national security or foreign policy interests, means that exports to them from U.S counterparts are restricted. It for instance makes it far harder for US security researchers to sell them information about computer vulnerabilities.

A spokesperson for the US State Department said "we are not taking action against countries or governments where these entities are located.”

Suppliers will need to apply for a license before selling to them, which are likely to be denied.

In the past, the NSO Group and Candiru have been accused of selling hacking tools to authoritarian regimes.

NSO said “it only sells its products to law enforcement and intelligence agencies and takes steps to curb abuse.”