arrests Archives

Winsage

December 9, 2024

The NTLM bug that sees and steals.

Researchers have identified a critical zero-day vulnerability affecting Windows systems. An alleged cyberattack attributed to Ukrainian actors targeted Gazprombank, one of Russia's largest financial institutions. The Russian hacking group BlueAlpha has been reported to exploit CloudFlare services. Microsoft has raised alarms about the Chinese hacking group Storm-0227, which is targeting critical infrastructure and U.S. government agencies. SonicWall has released patches for several high-severity vulnerabilities in its secure access gateway. Atrium Health disclosed a data breach impacting over half a million individuals. Rockwell Automation revealed four critical vulnerabilities in its Arena software that could allow remote code execution. U.S. authorities arrested an alleged member of the Scattered Spider gang, known for telecom hacks. A Nebraska man pleaded guilty to a .5 million cryptojacking scheme.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

Breach Roundup: Microsoft Tries Again With Windows Recall

Microsoft has unveiled a preview of its Windows Recall feature, designed to capture screenshots of active windows using on-device AI and store them in an SQLite database. The feature will be opt-in and requires users to enable BitLocker full-disk encryption, activate Secure Boot, and enroll in Windows Hello. Recall aims to avoid capturing sensitive information and allows users to delete snapshots or exclude specific applications. Microsoft has implemented safeguards to protect against brute-force attacks, and the data collected remains encrypted locally. The preview is currently available to participants in the Windows Insider Program for Developers. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that nearly 90% of smart device manufacturers lack clear update policies, with 161 out of 184 products reviewed not disclosing software update durations. This lack of transparency may violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the FTC Act. Ping Li, a Florida IT professional, was sentenced to four years in prison for acting as an agent for China's Ministry of State Security, providing sensitive information since at least 2012. He pleaded guilty and was fined ,000. Operation "Serengeti" led to the arrest of over 1,000 individuals suspected of cybercrime across 19 African countries, resulting in nearly million in financial losses and the confiscation of around million in stolen funds. The U.S. Department of Justice indicted nine individuals linked to a multi-state money laundering scheme associated with internet fraud, allegedly laundering over million since 2016. NVIDIA released a critical firmware update to address a high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2024-0130) that could allow attackers to steal data and compromise systems. Cybersecurity firm McAfee discovered "spyloan" Android apps on the Google Play Store that aim to steal users' personal data, targeting users in Mexico, Colombia, and Indonesia. An international law enforcement operation dismantled a pirate streaming network serving over 22 million users and generating approximately million monthly, resulting in 102 arrests. Nicholas Michael Kloster, a 31-year-old from Kansas City, was indicted for allegedly hacking into computer networks to promote his cybersecurity services, facing multiple charges with a potential 15-year prison sentence. HDFC Life Insurance in India is investigating a potential data breach involving the sharing of certain data fields with malicious intent.

Tech Optimizer

November 19, 2024

SiyanoAV Launches in India with Innovative Cybersecurity Solutions to Combat Rising Digital Threats and Privacy Risks

Siyano Labs Pvt Ltd. has launched SiyanoAV, an antivirus solution designed to enhance digital safety in India. The software features real-time scanning, dark web monitoring, advanced encryption, and performance optimization to protect users from cyber threats. Early users have praised its user-friendly design and high detection accuracy. The company is also committed to social responsibility and digital education, aiming to raise awareness about cybersecurity best practices. Founded in 2024, Siyano Labs focuses on providing innovative cybersecurity solutions tailored to the Indian digital market.

AppWizard

September 21, 2024

Arrests in Canada part of global takedown of criminal messaging app: police – National | Globalnews.ca

Australian police have successfully infiltrated the encrypted communications app Ghost, leading to the arrest of 38 individuals across four states and the disruption of various criminal networks. The alleged mastermind, Jay Je Yoon Jung, 32, has been charged with supporting a criminal organization and profiting from criminal activities, and he will remain in custody until his next court appearance in November. The app has been used by various criminal groups for illegal drug importation and violent acts. Since March, police have monitored over 125,000 messages and 120 video calls, preventing 50 potential incidents of serious harm. Jung developed the Ghost app in 2017 for criminal enterprises, and a global task force targeting it began in 2022, involving agencies such as the FBI and RCMP. Jung allegedly operated a network providing specialized smartphones to criminals, priced at 2,350 Australian dollars, which included a subscription to Ghost.

AppWizard

September 20, 2024

Encrypted ‘Ghost’ App: What We Know

Authorities have dismantled the encrypted chat application Ghost, which was used by criminal networks globally. Launched in 2021, Ghost required users to purchase customized devices for access, ensuring anonymity. It operated with three encryption standards, allowing users to erase messages and reset devices. The app’s servers were located in Iceland and France, with its founder in Australia and financial transactions traced to the United States. Ghost had several thousand users, exchanging around 1,000 messages daily, and was exclusively associated with criminal enterprises, facilitating drug trafficking, weapons dealing, violence, and money laundering. The operation resulted in the arrest of 51 individuals, primarily in Australia, and is part of a trend of law enforcement dismantling encrypted platforms like EncroChat and Sky ECC. Despite these successes, the landscape of encrypted communication remains fragmented, with major services like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram still in use. Law enforcement emphasizes the need for access to communications among criminals while balancing user privacy.

AppWizard

September 20, 2024

International Raids Shut Down Ghost Encrypted Messaging App

Law enforcement agencies from multiple countries executed an operation that dismantled Ghost, an encrypted messaging service used by criminal organizations, resulting in 51 arrests and the confiscation of over .1 million in assets. The alleged creator and administrator of Ghost, a 32-year-old Australian citizen, was among those arrested. The operation led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), in collaboration with international agencies, also resulted in the shutdown of a drug lab in Australia and the seizure of weapons and narcotics. Ghost was developed nine years ago and marketed exclusively to criminals, allowing secure communication via modified mobile phones sold for about ,350. The app featured advanced security measures, including self-destructing messages and multiple encryption standards. It facilitated communications for large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering, with around 1,000 messages exchanged daily. Law enforcement began investigating Ghost in 2022, leading to a task force that identified key suppliers and users. The operation, conducted between September 17 and 18, resulted in 38 arrests in Australia, 11 in Ireland, and one each in Canada and Italy. The alleged mastermind faces multiple criminal charges. Ongoing law enforcement actions against encrypted messaging services are causing a shift in criminal communication strategies, leading to a fragmented messaging landscape and presenting challenges for law enforcement.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

How the AFP cracked criminal messaging app ‘Ghost’

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched Operation Kraken, mobilizing up to 700 officers for coordinated raids targeting a 32-year-old man, Jay Je Yoon Jung, alleged to have created an encrypted communication platform called 'Ghost' used by organized crime. The operation involved pre-dawn raids, with a focus on Jung's residence in Narwee, Sydney, where flashbangs were used. Jung faces serious charges, including supporting a criminal organization and dealing in identification information. The Ghost app, marketed as 'tamper-proof', attracted criminal clients such as the Hell's Angels. The AFP has monitored over 125,000 messages on the platform, resulting in 46 arrests and the prevention of 50 threats to life. They seized over 210 kilograms of illicit drugs, 26 weapons, and million in cash during the operation. The AFP's technical team developed methods to access devices linked to Ghost, enabling them to gather real-time intelligence. Operation Kraken follows the successful Operation Ironside against another encrypted messaging platform, ANOM, enhancing the AFP's capability to combat organized crime and share intelligence internationally.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Global police sting topples ‘Ghost’ criminal messaging app

Australian and international police have dismantled an encrypted communications platform called "Ghost," used by criminal gangs for drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crimes. The operation resulted in 51 arrests, with 38 in Australia. The servers of Ghost were located in France and Iceland, and its creators were identified in Australia, with financial ties to the U.S. The primary suspect, a 32-year-old Australian citizen, was arrested for creating and administering Ghost since its launch in 2017. Users acquired modified smartphones for approximately 2,350 Australian dollars, which included a six-month subscription and tech support. Europol estimates thousands of individuals used Ghost, exchanging around 1,000 messages daily. Law enforcement infiltrated the network in spring 2022, enabling them to prevent numerous violent incidents and save 50 potential victims. The operation involved nine countries and led to the dismantling of a drug lab in Australia, as well as the seizure of weapons, drugs, and over €1 million in cash.

AppWizard

September 18, 2024

Police infiltrate Ghost encrypted messaging app, dozens arrested

Australian law enforcement infiltrated the encrypted communications app "Ghost," linked to organized crime, resulting in 38 arrests across four states and additional arrests in Canada, Sweden, Ireland, and Italy. Jay Je Yoon Jung, the 32-year-old suspected administrator of Ghost, faced charges in a Sydney court and remains in custody. The app, created in 2017, was used by various criminal groups for secure communication and has been associated with drug importation and orchestrated killings. Since March, authorities monitored 125,000 messages and 120 video calls through Ghost, preventing 50 potential incidents of serious crime. Australia's collaboration with a Europol-led task force began in 2022, and French authorities provided technical resources to decrypt communications. Australian police further compromised Ghost by altering software updates, allowing access to content on devices within Australia. Jung allegedly managed a network of resellers, selling modified smartphones with Ghost for 2,350 Australian dollars, which included a subscription and technical support.

AppWizard

September 18, 2024

Global Police Sting Takes Down ‘Ghost’ Organised Crime Messaging App

An international sting operation has dismantled the encrypted messaging app 'Ghost', used by criminals for drug trafficking, money laundering, and murders. Jay Je Yoon Jung, a 32-year-old Australian, is suspected of being the app's mastermind. The operation involved police forces from nine countries and was coordinated by Europol, resulting in numerous arrests in Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Canada, and Australia. The Ghost app was developed nearly a decade ago and marketed as 'unhackable', requiring modified smartphones and a subscription for access. Australian police infiltrated the app's network in 2022, monitoring communications for two years and thwarting violent plots, including 50 death threats. Authorities seized weapons, drugs, and over one million euros in cash, with a significant drug trafficking route disrupted in Ireland where narcotics worth approximately 16 million euros were confiscated. Jung, apprehended in New South Wales, faces five charges, including supporting a criminal organization, and could receive a prison sentence of up to three years.