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Software
antivirus software Cyber Security Dark Web Europol Extortion Malicious actor NCA Ragnar Locker Ransomware Group Ransomware Attacks. Software

Group Behind Ragnar Locker Ransomware Debunked

International law enforcement organizations have effectively dismantled the renowned Ragnar Locker ransomware gang, marking a huge win against cybercrime. This operation shows the value of international cooperation in the fight against digital criminal businesses and represents a turning point in the ongoing war against cyber threats.

The Ragnar Locker gang had been a formidable force in the realm of cyber extortion, targeting businesses worldwide with their sophisticated ransomware attacks. Their modus operandi involved encrypting sensitive data and demanding hefty ransoms for its release, often crippling the operations of affected organizations. 

The takedown operation was a joint effort between various agencies, including the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA). It was a testament to the power of international cooperation in combating cybercrime.

Europol, in a statement, emphasized the significance of this operation, stating, "The arrest of the alleged leader and the seizure of the infrastructure used by the group to conduct its malicious activities is a clear signal that Europol and its partners are actively targeting ransomware groups, their infrastructure, and the financial proceeds they extract from their victims."

One of the key achievements of this operation was the seizure of the Ragnar Locker gang's dark web portal, where they conducted their extortion activities. This move has disrupted their ability to continue their illegal operations and sends a powerful message to other cybercriminals.

The impact of this takedown is expected to be far-reaching. With the dismantling of Ragnar Locker's infrastructure, countless potential victims have been spared from falling prey to their malicious activities. This operation serves as a stark reminder to cybercriminals that the global community is united in its determination to combat cyber threats.

However, it is crucial to remain vigilant in the face of evolving cyber threats. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, criminals may adapt their tactics. Organizations and individuals alike must prioritize cybersecurity measures, including robust antivirus software, regular backups, and employee training to recognize and respond to potential threats.

An important step forward in the battle against cybercrime was made with the successful operation against the Ragnar Locker ransomware organization. It demonstrates the value of global cooperation and makes it quite obvious that cybercriminals will be hunted down and made to answer for their deeds. While this win deserves praise, it also highlights the necessity of ongoing watchfulness and investment in cybersecurity measures to guard against potential attacks.


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Phishing Attack
Cookies Dark Web Data Breach FBI Malicious Software NCA Phishing Attack

Operation Cookie Monster Shuts Down a Global Dark Web Marketplace



A multinational coalition of 17 law enforcement agencies has cracked down on the largest illicit dark web market in the world in an extensive operation dubbed Operation Cookie Monster. Thousands of stolen identities and online login passwords that were being sold on the marketplace were found thanks to this international investigation. The FBI and Dutch National Police-led operation has significantly hindered global efforts to combat cybercrime.

The platform in question was Genesis Market, founded in 2018, which harvested data from malicious software deployed by hackers into computer networks. It advertised and sold stolen data such as usernames, passwords, bank account details, and device fingerprints like computer and mobile phone identifiers. According to law enforcement agencies, the site had offered over 80 million account access credentials from more than 1.5 million compromised computers worldwide since its inception, including thousands of credentials stolen from over 460,000 devices that were advertised for sale when it was taken offline.

Rob Jones, Director General and Threat Leadership of Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) stated, "Behind every cybercriminal or fraudster is the technical infrastructure that provides them with the tools to execute their attacks and the means to benefit financially from their offending. Genesis Market was a prime example of such a service and was one of the most significant platforms on the criminal market.” 

The operation seized not only stolen identities but also browser fingerprints which can be used for identity theft. Louise Ferrett, an analyst at British cybersecurity firm Searchlight Cyber said that these browser fingerprints are harvested from computers infected with malicious software.

Europol’s Head of the European Cybercrime Centre Edvardas Šileris said, "Through the combined efforts of all the law enforcement authorities involved, we have severely disrupted the criminal cyber ecosystem by removing one of its key enablers.” 

The importance of this operation cannot be understated – it has set a valuable precedent for international cooperation in cybercrime-fighting initiatives. In addition to tracking down those responsible for malicious software deployment and identity theft activities on this platform, police have also taken measures to prevent future occurrences with preventative activity such as searches and arrests. 

While Operation Cookie Monster may have been successful in taking down one marketplace selling stolen identities, it is essential to remain vigilant against other forms of cybercrime that are still out there – such as hacking and phishing attacks – in order to ensure secure online transactions and prevent identity theft in the future.


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NCA
Cyber Attacks Cybercrime Markets DDOS Attack National Crime Agency National Cyber Crime Unit NCA

NCA Infiltrates Cybercrime Market With Fake DDoS Sites


UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has recently conducted a sting operation as a part of Operation Power Off, a collaboration of international law enforcement agencies to shut down DDoS (distributed denial of service) infrastructure. 

In order to sabotage the online black market, the NCA set up a number of fictitious DDoS websites and offered booter or DDoS-for-hire services. It is important to keep in mind that the UK's Computer Misuse Act of 1990 makes DDoS attacks illegal. 

All of these websites were created by the NCA to appear genuine, giving the visitor the idea that they could initiate DDoS attacks using the provided tools and services. 

According to the agency, many a thousand individuals have visited the sites, although, after registering on the site, visitors are instead presented with a splash screen telling them that their data has been captured and law enforcement authorities would contact them instead of receiving the services they had signed up for. 

In the most recent report, the NCA confirms to have identified one of the websites it was operating, with a message that the data of users has been collected and that they “will be contacted by law enforcement.” 

The individuals who are currently in the UK will be contacted by the NCA or police and are warned about engaging in any cybercrime-related activity, whereas, the details of those overseas are being handed out to international law enforcement. 

DDoS Attacks 

In a DDoS attack, compromised computer systems bombard a target (server or website), causing severe financial or reputational damage to the targeted organization. “DDoS-for-hire, or ‘booter’, services allow users to set up accounts and order DDoS attacks in a matter of minutes […] Such attacks have the potential to cause significant harm to businesses and critical national infrastructure, and often prevent people from accessing essential public services,” said the NCA. 

Alan Merrett, member of NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit says “booter services” are a key enabler of cybercrime. “The perceived anonymity and ease of use afforded by these services means that DDoS has become an attractive entry-level crime, allowing individuals with little technical ability to commit cyber offences with ease,” he said. 

He added that traditional site takedowns and arrests are key components of law enforcement’s response to threats while adding, “We have extended our operational capability with this activity, at the same time as undermining trust in the criminal market.” 

The NCA says that it will not reveal how many sites it has or for how long they have been running. Therefore, they have urged individuals looking for these services to stay cautious as they might not know who is operating them. 

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