(Reuters) – U.S. authorities on Tuesday announced an international law enforcement operation to disrupt the notorious “Qakbot” malware platform used extensively by cybercriminals involved in financial crime.
“Qakbot malware infected more than 700,000 victim computers, facilitated ransomware deployments, and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to businesses, healthcare providers, and government agencies all over the world,” the U.S. Department of Justice said a statement.
The operation also involved France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Britain, it said.
First discovered more than a decade ago, Qakbot is commonly spread through malicious, boobytrapped emails sent to unsuspecting victims.
Security researchers say they believe the hacking network originates in Russia and has attacked organizations around the world from Germany to Argentina.
(Reporting by Christopher Bing and David Ljunggren)
U.S. authorities have announced an international law enforcement operation aimed at disrupting the “Qakbot” malware platform. This malware has been extensively used by cybercriminals involved in financial crime. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Qakbot malware has infected more than 700,000 victim computers and has caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to businesses, healthcare providers, and government agencies worldwide.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, also involved the participation of France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Britain, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of these countries in combating cybercrime. Qakbot, first discovered over a decade ago, is typically spread through malicious emails that are designed to trick unsuspecting victims.
Security researchers have pointed out that they believe the hacking network responsible for Qakbot originates in Russia. The network has launched attacks on organizations not only within Russia but also in countries such as Germany and Argentina. These attacks have had significant financial repercussions and have caused numerous disruptions.
This international law enforcement operation aims to disrupt the activities of cybercriminals who utilize the Qakbot malware. By targeting this malware platform, authorities hope to prevent further infections and mitigate the financial losses suffered by businesses, healthcare providers, and government agencies. The operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing the global threat of cybercrime.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s statement emphasizes the scale of the Qakbot malware’s impact, both in terms of the number of victims it has infected and the financial damage it has caused. Such coordinated efforts between countries are crucial in dealing with cybercriminals who operate across borders.
As cybercrime continues to pose a significant threat to individuals and organizations, these types of international operations play a vital role in combating and disrupting the activities of cybercriminals. By coming together and sharing resources, countries can strengthen their defense against cyber threats and help protect their citizens from harm.
The participation of multiple countries in this operation reflects the global nature of cybercrime and the need for unified efforts in addressing it. Through collaborative initiatives like this, law enforcement agencies can enhance their capabilities in combating cybercriminals and their ever-evolving strategies.
Overall, the international law enforcement operation targeting the Qakbot malware platform signifies a strong commitment to combatting cybercrime at a global level. By disrupting this malware’s activities, authorities aim to safeguard businesses, healthcare providers, and government agencies from further financial harm. These collective efforts underscore the determination of nations to address the growing threat of cyberattacks and protect their citizens from the devastating consequences of such crimes.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
