On April 1, 2015, President Obama issued Executive Order 13694, creating a new sanctions program that targets the growing and evolving threat posed by cyber-attacks.  The Order authorizes sanctions against those who seek to use cyber-attacks to harm critical infrastructure, target network availability, and steal sensitive information, such as trade secrets and personal financial information.

The Order requires the freezing of assets of designated cyber-attackers in the United States or in the control or possession of US persons.  It also prohibits US individuals and organizations from engaging in any transactions with those on the sanctions list or any entities they own.