December 14, 2023 at 01:34PM
Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit seized multiple domains used by a Vietnam-based cybercrime group, Storm-1152, which was involved in selling over 750 million fraudulent accounts. The group provided services to bypass various verification challenges and supplied accounts to other cybercriminal groups for use in ransomware and phishing attacks. Microsoft filed a lawsuit against individuals involved in hosting the seized domains.
The meeting notes outline the significant actions taken by Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit against the Vietnam-based cybercrime group Storm-1152. This group engaged in extensive fraudulent activities, including the registration and sale of over 750 million fraudulent accounts and the provision of illicit services to bypass security measures on various technology platforms.
Amy Hogan-Burney, the General Manager of Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit, highlighted that Storm-1152 operated websites and social media pages to market fraudulent Microsoft accounts and tools for bypassing identity verification software. These actions facilitated a range of criminal and abusive behaviors online, attracting the attention of numerous cybercrime groups involved in ransomware, data theft, and extortion.
In response, Microsoft seized Storm-1152’s infrastructure, including websites such as Hotmailbox.me and platforms facilitating the sale of CAPTCHA solving services. The company also filed a lawsuit against individuals purportedly involved in hosting the cybercriminal operation on the seized domains. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants were responsible for managing the seized websites, developing their code, and providing support to customers using the fraudulent services.
Hogan-Burney described these actions as an integral part of Microsoft’s strategy to disrupt the broader cybercriminal ecosystem and target the tools used by cybercriminals to launch their attacks. This approach aligns with the company’s successful use of legal measures to disrupt malware and nation-state operations.