Global Police Operation Shuts Down Largest Malware Platform, Targeting Millions of Victims
Operation Magnus Closes Down Criminal Scheme
A global police operation, named "Operation Magnus", has successfully shut down the servers of one of the world’s largest malware platforms, targeting millions of victims worldwide, according to the European Union’s judicial arm, Eurojust.
Investigation and Cooperation
The operation culminated in a year-long investigation, involving six countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, Britain, and the United States. Investigators from these countries worked together to take down the criminal scheme, which involved over 1,200 servers in dozens of countries, running the malware.
RedLine and META Malware
The criminal platforms, known as RedLine and META, stole personal data from infected devices, including usernames and passwords, as well as automatically saved data like addresses, email addresses, and crypto-currency wallets. The malware was activated when victims downloaded software from unreliable sources.
Investigation Triggers and Following Actions
The investigation was triggered when victims came forward, and a security company notified authorities about possible servers in the Netherlands linked to the malware. As a result, investigators shut down three servers in the Netherlands, seized two domains, unsealed charges in the United States, and took two people into custody in Belgium.
Criminal Activity and Investigations
The infostealers sold the stolen personal data to other criminals through criminal marketplaces, who used it to steal money, crypto-currency, and carry out follow-on hacking activities. The authorities also took down several Telegram messaging accounts used to advertise RedLine and META’s services, Dutch police said.
US Charges and Penalties
In the United States, law officials have slapped fraud and money laundering charges on a suspected RedLine developer and administrator. If convicted, the suspect faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for access device fraud, five years in prison for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, and 20 years in prison for money laundering.
No Link with Meta, the California-Based Company
Eurojust and Dutch police confirmed that the META name used by the malware platform had no link with Meta, the California-based company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Private Security Company’s Online Tool
Investigations continued, and a private security company has set up an online tool for potential victims to check if their data was stolen. US law authorities added that they "did not believe it is in possession of all the stolen data and continues to investigate."
Conclusion
This operation highlights the growing threat of malware and cybercrime, as well as the importance of international cooperation in combating these threats. The closure of this large-scale operation demonstrates the ability of law enforcement agencies to work together to protect citizens’ data and hold criminals accountable.
FAQs
- What was the name of the malware platform shut down?
The malware platform was referred to as RedLine and META. - How many servers did the malware platform have?
Over 1,200 servers in dozens of countries were running the malware. - Which countries were involved in the operation?
Six countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, Britain, and the United States, participated in the operation. - What was the purpose of the malware?
The malware stole personal data, including usernames and passwords, as well as automatically saved data like addresses, email addresses, and crypto-currency wallets. - What are the potential consequences for the suspect charged with fraud and money laundering?
If convicted, the suspect faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for access device fraud, five years in prison for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, and 20 years in prison for money laundering.