International crackdown on info-swiping malware software

In a significant move against cybercrime, authorities from 26 Asian countries, working in collaboration with Interpol and cybersecurity firms Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro, have successfully dismantled a widespread network of cybercriminals. The operation, dubbed Operation Secure, resulted in the arrest of 32 alleged cybercriminals, the seizure of 41 servers, and the takedown of 79 percent of identified suspicious IP addresses.

Interpol analysed over 1,700 pieces of intelligence and identified 117 command-and-control servers hosted across 89 internet service providers. These servers were used by the cybercriminals as central hubs to launch and manage malicious campaigns, including phishing, online fraud, and social media scams.

The alleged leader of the targeted group was found with documents and technology for a scheme to open and sell corporate accounts. The search results do not provide the names of the cybercriminals arrested in the 26 affected countries, only mentioning the arrest of the leader in Vietnam without naming other individuals. Notably, 18 arrests were made in Vietnam, including the alleged leader, while 12 other arrests were made in Sri Lanka. Two arrests were also made in the Micronesian nation of Nauru.

Cybercriminals involved in this network were found to purchase infostealer activity logs on the dark web for further attacks, including ransomware and fraud. After the operation ended, authorities contacted over 216,000 confirmed and suspected victims, warning them to change their passwords and check their accounts for unauthorized access.

Operation Secure also dismantled multiple strains of information-stealer malware, marking a significant blow to the cybercrime landscape. As the digital world continues to evolve, collaborative efforts like Operation Secure are crucial in protecting individuals and businesses from the threats posed by cybercriminals.