When you picture the person running an international ransomware operation, a 16-year-old probably does not come to mind.Yet investigators say a teenager was the suspected main operator behind KillSec, a cybercrime group linked to around 1,000 suspected attacks worldwide.
About 500 of those attacks have so far been identified as successful.Now, an international law enforcement operation has taken KillSec's leak site and key servers offline.Authorities also secured at least 110 terabytes of stolen data that could have been exposed or used to pressure victims.
The takedown offers a remarkable look at how accessible cybercrime has become.More importantly, it shows how attackers continue to find their way into poorly protected systems and turn stolen files into leverage.
What investigators uncovered about KillSec shows how the group operated, how AI reportedly played a role and what you can do to make ransomware attacks harder to pull off.Join us for a free CyberGuy LIVE class.Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares practical ways to stay safer, smarter and more confident with technology.Explore classes on stopping spam, phone security, financial protection and using AI to get better health care.
Each class is free, easy to follow and comes with a free printable checklist.See the classes and register at CyberGuyLive.comFBI STRIKES BACK AT HACKING GROUP WITH OVERSEAS ARREST OF ALLEGED LEADERGuardia Civil, Mossos d’Esquadra and FBI personnel took part in the coordinated international investigation targeting KillSec.(Europol)The crackdown, known as Operation KillSwitch, took place on Sept.
30.Authorities from the United States and several European countries participated in the investigation.
Europol and Eurojust also helped coordinate the effort.Police carried out eight searches in Greece, Romania, Spain and the United Kingdom.Three suspects were provisionally arrested.
Investigators also took control of five central servers connected with KillSec's operation.One of the b...