March 19, 2024 at 02:22PM
The Ukrainian cyber police, in collaboration with national police, have arrested three individuals accused of hijacking over 100 million emails and Instagram accounts worldwide, using specialized software to brute-force account passwords. The cybercriminals sold access to compromised accounts and are charged with unauthorized interference in information systems, with a potential collaboration investigation with foreign entities. Recommendations include using strong passwords and activating multi-factor authentication for added security.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes:
– Three individuals have been arrested by the Ukrainian cyber police for hijacking over 100 million emails and Instagram accounts worldwide. The suspects used specialized software to brute-force account passwords and then sold access to compromised accounts on the darknet.
– The police executed seven searches and seized significant IT equipment, mobile phones, bank cards, and cash during the operation.
– The apprehended individuals are charged with unauthorized interference in information systems and networks, which carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison under Ukrainian law.
– A parallel investigation has been launched into the potential collaboration of the cybercrime group with foreign entities, specifically for using select stolen accounts to benefit Russian interests.
– Recommendations for securing online accounts include using unique and strong/long passwords and activating multi-factor authentication (MFA) when available to prevent account takeovers.