US investors in spyware firms nearly tripled in 2024: report therecord.media/us-invest…

The number of U.S.-based investors bankrolling spyware companies nearly tripled in 2024, with 31 American firms found to be backing the manufacturers compared to just 11 in 2023.

The finding was published by the Atlantic Council think tank in a report released Wednesday which analyzed 561 spyware entities — vendors, supplies, partners, investors, individuals, holding companies and alumni — across 46 countries.

The role American investors are playing in propping up spyware vendors is notable given the aggressive actions the U.S. government has taken to rein in the sector, including through sanctions, entity listings and visa restrictions.