Cybercrime
Ongoing coverage on Cybercrime.
Latest coverage
Korean police arrest cyberhacking gang reportedly led by self-taught hacker, who allegedly used AI to breach 60 firms…
South Korean police have arrested a cyberhacking gang, reportedly led by a self-taught individual who utilized AI tools to breach over 60 firms. Despite demanding significant ransoms, the gang allegedly only received a small fraction of the demanded amount. The stolen data included sensitive customer information, and while police acted swiftly, the incident highlights a worrying trend of AI being used for criminal activities.
I've added scams to GTA 5, but I might have scammed myself
The author details their experience adding a "ScamV" mod to Grand Theft Auto 5, which introduces cybercrime elements like fake checks and cloned cards. However, due to numerous other conflicting mods, the experience is largely reduced to Franklin carrying a duffel bag and being unable to interact with bank tellers, leading to a frustratingly "Kafka-esque" situation.
Police arrest "one of the alleged leaders" of group behind Rockstar hack that apparently revealed how much money GTA Online makes, FBI warns "we know how to find you"
The FBI announced the arrest of a 24-year-old man in Amsterdam, identified as one of the alleged leaders of the ShinyHunters hacking group. This group is suspected of breaching over 140 organizations, including Rockstar Games, and extorting at least $70 million. The FBI warns other members of ShinyHunters that they will be found.
Reacher season 5 release date speculation, cast, which book it's adapting, and everything else we know about the…
Filming has begun in Canada for Reacher season 5, which is expected to adapt Lee Child's novel 'Make Me.' While an official release date has not been set, speculation suggests a late 2027 or early 2028 debut on Amazon Prime Video. The upcoming season will feature Alan Ritchson returning as Jack Reacher and will incorporate elements of global cybercrime.
Interpol Flags AI as the Engine Behind Africa’s Doubling Cybercrime Losses
Interpol's latest report indicates that cybercrime losses in Africa have more than doubled, reaching $484 million, with Artificial Intelligence identified as a key driver in 55 percent of reported cases. AI is now considered the core operational driver of cybercrime on the continent, automating all stages of attacks from reconnaissance to evasion, despite enforcement efforts leading to over 1,500 arrests and significant seizures.
The FBI has arrested a 21-year-old alleged to have stolen $220,000 through Steam using malware-ridden games
The FBI has arrested a 21-year-old Florida man accused of stealing approximately $220,000 in cryptocurrency using malware embedded in eight games distributed on Steam. The malware was designed to steal passwords and access cryptocurrency wallets. The games have since been removed from the platform.
Game and Mod Development
This article analyzes the intersection of microtransactions and cybercrime within the video game ecosystem. It explores how these elements impact game security and discusses potential improvements to the overall ecosystem.
FBI accuse Steam user of stealing over $220,000 via malware-infected games like BlockBlasters, Lunara and Dashverse
The FBI has arrested Zyaire Dontaevious Zamarion Wilkins, a student accused of stealing over $220,000 in cryptocurrency using malware-infected games distributed on Steam. Games like BlockBlasters, Lunara, and Dashverse allegedly infected around 8000 PCs over two years. The investigation involved tracking crypto transactions and linking them to Uber gift cards purchased by Wilkins.
Amid FBI investigation into Steam malware, Florida man arrested and charged with stealing crypto currency as part of…
A Florida man, Zyaire Dontaevious Zamarion Wilkins, has been arrested and charged in connection with an FBI investigation into a Steam malware scheme that allegedly stole at least $220,000 in cryptocurrency. The malware was embedded in several games on Steam, which have since been removed. Wilkins faces up to 10 years in prison under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Grand Theft Auto 6 leaker who was given an indefinite sentence in 2023 because he wouldn't stop hacking is now out…
Arion Kurtaj, the hacker responsible for the Grand Theft Auto 6 footage leak and other high-profile cybercrimes, has reportedly been released from a secure hospital and is now in prison awaiting a retrial. Kurtaj, who was found to be part of the Lapsus$ hacking group, was initially sentenced to a secure hospital due to his acute autism and continued intent to commit cybercrime. He is now awaiting a retrial scheduled for November, the same month Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch.
Hacker behind GTA 6 leak that cost Rockstar $5 million reportedly awaiting retrial after being released from secure…
The hacker responsible for the Grand Theft Auto 6 leak, Arion Kurtaj, has reportedly been moved from a secure hospital to a regular prison to await a criminal trial in November. Kurtaj, a member of the Lapsus$ hacking group, was deemed unfit to stand trial in July 2023 but his circumstances have now changed. Rockstar Games stated the leak cost them $5 million and thousands of staff hours to recover from.
A ransomware negotiator who colluded with attackers to scam victims was sentenced to 70 months in prison
Angelo Martino, a ransomware negotiator, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for colluding with attackers and scamming victims out of over $75 million. The case highlights a criminal element within the ransomware negotiation industry.
Morning Legal Briefs
A 19-year-old hacker, allegedly linked to the extortion group Scattered Spider, has been arrested. Microsoft shared Windows 11 identifier code information with the FBI, which was instrumental in tracking the suspect.
Morning Legal Briefs
A key US government regulation concerning data centers is set to expire. Additionally, the FBI has dismantled a Chinese phishing service that facilitated scam operations by coaching buyers on generating fraudulent content.
Evening Legal Briefs
An article from The Register discusses a criminal who violated the unwritten rules of ransomware operations. The piece highlights a breach of protocol within the ransomware community.
This popular VPN has been shut down, and I'm glad
The VPN service First VPN has been shut down following a five-year investigation involving law enforcement agencies from 16 countries. The service was shut down due to its extensive use by cyber-criminals for activities like ransomware and fraud. The author expresses satisfaction with the shutdown, contrasting First VPN's features that facilitated crime with more reputable services like NordVPN.
Midday Legal Briefs
Microsoft has successfully dismantled 'Fox Tempest,' a cybercrime service that exploited legitimate platforms for illicit activities. The FBI is also seeking nationwide access to license plate camera data for near real-time monitoring.
Interpol's 'Operation Ramz' has arrested over 200 people for phishing scams, malware threats, and all sorts of internet ne’er-do-well behaviour
Interpol announced the arrest of 201 individuals across 13 countries as part of "Operation Ramz," a multinational effort targeting cybercriminals involved in phishing, malware, and cyber scams in the Middle East and North Africa. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 53 servers and confirmed 3,867 victims of cybercrime.
Evening Legal Briefs
Two former employees, identified as hacker twins, were fired after allegedly forgetting to end a Microsoft Teams recording, which inadvertently captured evidence of their own criminal activities. The incident was reported by Ars Technica.
Cybersecurity expert turns cybercriminal, pleading guilty to 'conspiracy to deploy ransomware'
Three former cybersecurity professionals have pleaded guilty to deploying Blackcat/ALPHV ransomware, extorting victims for over $1.2 million in Bitcoin. One individual, while working as a ransomware negotiator, leaked confidential victim information to the attackers. The BlackCat/ALPHV group is reportedly defunct due to increased law enforcement efforts.
