The United States has intensified its response to zero-day exploits theft, announcing new sanctions against a Russia-linked cyber tools network accused of stealing sensitive U.S. trade secrets and attempting to sell advanced cyber capabilities to foreign actors.

The U.S. Department of State designated one individual and two entities under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA), targeting a cyber exploit brokerage operation operating under the name Operation Zero.

Officials say the case reflects a dangerous shift where stolen vulnerabilities—once tightly controlled by governments—are increasingly being traded for cryptocurrency through private intermediaries. The Zer...